Click: Chic
Fall’s official beginning is just a few weeks away (Saturday, September 22nd) but I’m still cowering from the sun like a Morlock. Because of the day’s heat I have to do my gardening (aka watering) in the dark before dawn or after sundown. This leaves the day open for various pursuits, including the ongoing search for ideas and inspiration … I have my favorite resources, of course, but it’s always fun to learn of new ones. Succulent maven, and author of my favorite book on the subject, Debra Lee Baldwin, tipped me off to two such sources in her latest e-newsletter: her Pinterest boards devoted to designing with succulents and cacti. The images, above, are from Baldwin’s Succulent Chic pinboard (click here) but they’re only a tiny sample of the amazements to be found there. Succulents in all their singularly colorful glory can be found in images from DLB, among others, along with links to the inspiring sites they derived from. But that’s not all …
DLB’s also created a Cactus Chic pinboard (click here). I’m dying over that crested saguaro (top left), and barrel cactus sculpture (lower right) made of garden hoses and faucet handles!
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Debra Lee Baldwin’s succulent empire is quite extensive and includes videos, books (a new one is imminent), public speaking, demonstrations and one-on-one workshops. Click here for her website; email to be added to her e-newsletter (click here for the current edition) … it’s always chock full of idea-triggering information. And, if you’re not yet a Pinterest member (click here), it’s easy to become one … soon you’ll be creating and sharing your own pinboard favorites, like me (click here)!
Rancho Reubidoux 
Reuben, one of the things that I love about you is that you’re always willing to share your sources. You, my friend, are not stingy.
I’m addicted to clicking, why not share?!
Yes! You’re awesome!
Hi, there! Haven’t seen you in a bit; hope all’s well and thanks for commenting!
Ooh, fun–I’m following now! I watched Debra Lee Baldwin’s youtube video recently about how to get intense colors on succulents and cacti by stressing them. My sticks on fire had been wholly green all Summer and I put them in some hotter sun and have been withholding water and BAM–sticks on FIRE! Well, just orange at the moment, but we are on our way.
I know, DLB’s pretty amazing … thanks for commenting!
Wow, some of those containers are amazing. The jade ones caught my eye first. My brother recently shared an image of some succulents that someone had planted in small groupings of wine corks that were hung on the wall! I have been meaning to do that myself since.
I also thought of you when I made a purchase the other day of washi tape. It reminded me of your bech project and the colored tape that you used. You said it is unavailable. If you have not heard of washi tape, it is another one of those Japanese wonders. Basically masking tape in any imaginable color, pattern, width. Cute Tape is where I scored mine, they also have things like crocheted tape,and all at very reasonable prices. http://www.cutetape.com/
Thanks, Meg, for a great comment. I am aware of washi tape and all the awesome colors it comes in, but I didn’t consider it being able to hold up outside … Plus, I was so excited to use the old graphic designer tapes I used way back in the hoary old days of the late ’70s, early ’80s … I think I’ve seen the wine cork planting you refer to, but send me a link!
So, I bought some of the washi annd unless you shellacked the bejesus out of it it won’t survive a sidelong glance. So thin, but so lovely.
Exactly, and that delicate washi quality seems totally Japanese …
Rubin, this is my first time commenting. I found you through Pinterest. I love succulents and cacti, which is what caught my eye. I too have a rancho in Costa Rica, and would like to share pictures. Mostly, I have a lot of orchids, tillandsias, and ferns, but am adding succulents. I love the palm wall hanging…. you are so creative.
Hello, Val, thanks for stopping by and commenting! I’d love to see pictures of your rancho in Costa Rica … my personal email is: reubix1@yahoo.com