Nadia Knows Gardens » Cactus

Wordless Wednesday goes Macro in Nature

nadiaqh — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 14:21:34 +0000

Saguaro Cactus

Opuntia microdasys 'Albata', or Bunny Ears

Barrel Cactus

SCUBA DIVE IN YOUR GARDEN

nadiaqh — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:35:25 +0000

Grab your mask and snorkel (bikini and speedo?) and go for an ocean dive right in your own back yard! I planted this faux Coral Reef garden in an area outside my kitchen patio in a 15′ x 4′ space. I originally saw this idea at the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, CA and wanted to see if I could replicate it in my own yard. For Mother’s Day my gift was a carload of plants (big surprise) and I went to work trying to recreate that colorful ocean display. By using drought tolerant plants such as succulents, cactus, small palms and euphorbia, I was able to reduce watering in this area to only once per week. It now has the illusion of being surrounded by water, yet simultaneously being water wise. This has been one of my favorite projects so far and has become prettier every month as the plants continue to flourish.

* I added sea shells, thick rope, glass balls, ocean statuary and a pebble/lava ground cover at the edges. I even found a faux light weight black anchor on ebay.

* Grouping large rocks and stacking them in mounds creates depth and gives the illusion of a coral reef.

* By placing a landscaping fabric underneath the rocks and pebbles, it not only helps keep weeds out, but prevents the rocks from sinking under the soil.

Picture Perfect Succulents

nadiaqh — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:23:26 +0000

This is a quick blog to show off my new macro lens on my camera. How beautiful is this echeveria close up? This succulent is a about 3 inches round and of course water wise. It looks great in all size pots and also in yard landscaping. I’m looking forward to sharing some great photos with you on this garden blog and showing you cactus and succulents in a whole new way! Let me know which photos you like the best- I love to hear from you!

Thank you for visiting my blog: www.nadiaknows.com

” I know I want to keep creating, growing and having fun.”

** note to my niece: I thought you would especially like this blog since it is your favorite color– GREEN **