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A Terrific Mediterranean Garden with Color and Texture

Plant Combinations, Spring Borders, Summer Borders, Fall Borders, Winter Borders

Garden Ideas, Landscaping Ideas, succulent garden, Mediterranean garden, drought tolerant plant, Linda Besler, Senecio mandraliscae, Senecio talinodes, Agave attenuata, Aeonium Sunburst,Aeonium ‘Zwarktop', Aloe nobilis, Aloe vera, Euphorbia Sticks on Fire, Crassula ‘Campfire’,Callistemon citrons ‘Little John’?

Planted in undulating ribbons for visual interest, this spectacular garden is a beautiful marriage of colors, shapes and textures for a long-lasting impact. Created by Linda Bresler, owner of Living Designs by Linda, it won the 2012 Grand Prize organized by San Diego Home & Garden and was voted Garden of the Year. No wonder it won this prestigious prize. This garden is a spectacular tapestry that weaves together succulents and other drought-tolerant plants. It is great-looking all year around, even when the plants are not in bloom, since the focus was laid on foliage – and blooms were regarded as a bonus.

A curved pathway with asymmetrical pavers winds through the garden, flanked by green ‘Elfin’ thyme. On each side are curved beds where bold plants like dark Aeonium ‘Zwartkop’ or luminous Euphorbia tirucalli ‘Sticks on Fire’ (Fire Sticks) draw attention. They are emphasized throughout the garden, often clustered for impact.

Contrasting with the green foliage of Aloe barbadensis (Barbados Aloe), Aloe nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe) or the silvery-green rosettes of Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave), the garden beds are sparkling with bright red Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant), crimson-tipped Echeverias, scarlet dwarf Callistemon viminalis ‘Little John’ (Bottlebrush) and sunny Aeonium ‘Sunburnt’.

They are underplanted with rivers of cool Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalk Stick), hot-colored Crassula capitella ‘Campfire’, or brilliant Sedum × rubrotinctum (Stonecrop), which flow through and around the beds.

A relatively easy to maintain and waterwise garden.

Garden Information

Hardiness 10 - 11
Climate Zones 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden

Plants In This Garden

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Alternative Plants to Consider

Aeonium canariense (Canary Island Aeonium)
Echeveria agavoides ‘Ebony’
Crassula ovata ‘Hummel’s Sunset’ (Jade Plant)
Aloe polyphylla (Spiral Aloe)
Sedum nussbaumerianum (Stonecrop)
Dymondia margaretae (Silver Carpet)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.

Garden Information

Hardiness 10 - 11
Climate Zones 21, 22, 23, 24
Exposure Full Sun, Partial Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Cut Flowers, Plant of Merit, Showy
Tolerance Drought
Attracts Birds, Butterflies, Hummingbirds
Landscaping Ideas Beds And Borders, Small Gardens
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Explore Great Plant Combination Ideas
United States
Get Garden Design Ideas
Search Gardens

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Aeonium 'Sunburst' N/A Buy Plants
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Euphorbia tirucalli 'Sticks on Fire' (Fire Sticks) N/A Buy Plants
Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks) N/A Buy Plants
Crassula capitella 'Campfire' N/A Buy Plants
Agave attenuata (Fox Tail Agave) N/A Buy Plants
Kalanchoe luciae (Paddle Plant) N/A Buy Plants
Sedum x rubrotinctum (Stonecrop) N/A Buy Plants
Echeveria agavoides 'Lipstick' N/A Buy Plants
Aloe nobilis (Golden Toothed Aloe) N/A Buy Plants
Aloe vera (Barbados Aloe) N/A Buy Plants
Senecio vitalis (Narrow-Leaf Chalksticks) N/A Buy Plants
Callistemon viminalis 'Little John' (Bottlebrush) N/A Buy Plants
Cotyledon orbiculata var. oblonga 'Macrantha' N/A Buy Plants

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