One of the hottest trends in gardening is using succulents and cactus either in the garden or in containers. There are a number of reasons for this, not only are these exciting, fun plants but they're very low maintenance. There are a wide variety of colors and shapes. Eric points out Hens and Chicks, Sedums, Jade, prickly Agaves as well as some medicinals like Aloe. These aren't particularly hard plants to grow but one can mess them up by "loving them to death." That usually comes from overwatering. These are plants that generally like to be neglected so one important thing to think about when putting them into a pot or putting them into the ground is finding the correct soil. You will need something that has a lot of drainage, also something with a little nutrition to get those plants started, to get the new roots going out into the soil. But the most important attribute is drainage. If the pots don't drain the plants will basically rot. So when you go to your garden center look for a product that advertises great drainage and better yet something that is designed for Cactus, Palms, those kind of plants that require good drainage. So remember, Cactus - they're fun, they're easy, as are succulents. And remember don't love them to death, give them some drainage.
Few bulbs are easier to grow than amaryllis-and few bloom with greater exuberance and beauty. But many just toss them at the end of their initial show.
Importantly there are tricks to get them to bloom again. Click here for an informative article about extending the life of amaryllis.
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