If you’re visiting Southern California and want to take in some stunning scenery, make sure to check out the Hunting Library and Gardens. They have an amazing selection of succulents and cacti, as well as a variety of other plants, making it a great place to admire nature.
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I recently visited the Huntington Library and Gardens in Southern California and was amazed by their Desert Garden. I had heard a lot of positive remarks about it, but it exceeded my expectations.
I had a great time exploring the huge selection of beautiful succulents and cacti. It was a nice change to view them “in their natural habitat,” as opposed to in pots like I normally do. I easily spent two hours wandering around.
When I first entered the gardens, I was amazed by the vibrant display of succulents in pots. The rainbow of colors from the Graptoveria ‘Fred Ives’ and Aloe was particularly breathtaking.
I was amazed by the size of these Sempervivums; they were at least six inches in diameter! I was particularly taken with the visual contrast between them and the variegated Aloes in the background.
I was amazed at how big the succulents were; it was a stark contrast to what I’m used to, which are usually only 2-4 inches tall.
- Aloe, Senecio mandraliscae, Crassula falcata, and Echeveria elegans are all succulents that make for attractive houseplants.
The garden had an abundance of succulents, with rosettes of them packed closely together creating a visually stunning effect. Repetition was a key element of the design, as these plants are known for their easy reproduction. I was mesmerized by the patterns and shapes they formed.
- An alternate plant to Aloe is Aeonium haworthii, also known as Portulacaria afra.
- is a type of crossbred succulent.
It was not unusual to observe succulents growing out of the rock walls, showing that these plants can really thrive in any environment. The vibrant colors of the succulents were heightened due to the challenging conditions of little soil and water.
- and Haworthia are two different types of succulent plants, both of which are known for their hardy nature and attractive, variegated foliage.
The Huntington garden’s barrel cacti are truly a sight to behold. Up close, they are even more remarkable than in photographs. It’s no wonder that these cacti have become such a popular subject for photographers.
- is a type of cactus
Echinocactus grusonii is a species of cactus.
It’s definitely worth planning a trip around this garden – I spent two hours in the Desert Garden alone, and that’s just a fraction of what’s on offer! There are also amazing plants to be found in the Australian Garden, Chinese Garden, Rose Garden, Subtropical Garden and so many more. I’m sure I’ll be back soon!
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FAQ
How do you take care of a succulent and cactus garden?
Cacti and succulents do best when they have access to plenty of light. Putting them in a south facing position is recommended, but make sure they are not in direct sunlight as this can cause them to turn yellow.
Is Aloe Vera A cactus or succulent?
Succulents, such as Aloe Vera, are adapted to survive in dry, arid conditions due to their fleshy and swollen leaves which store water. In order to thrive, they should be exposed to plenty of light but kept out of direct sunlight. Aloe Vera can be grown indoors as a houseplant or in temperate climates as an outdoor perennial.
What is the largest succulent garden in the world?
is a great place to visit to see a variety of plants.
The Huntington Desert Garden is an excellent destination to witness many different types of vegetation.
Are succulents and cactus the same thing?
Cactus is typically classified as its own family (Cactaceae) due to its ability to store moisture, even though it is a type of succulent. However, not all succulents are cactus.
What is the difference between cactus and succulents?
Cacti are recognized by their spiny needles and water-storing, fleshy stems, which are designed for photosynthesis. Succulent plants, on the contrary, have fleshy leaves that retain water and nutrients. While the majority of cacti don’t have leaves, there are some varieties that do.