Succulent gardens offer high beauty and interest with low maintenance

In recent years, succulent plants have become a welcome part of indoor gardens. Now, they are also gaining popularity in the landscape. There are many benefits to using succulent plants, not the least of which is their very distinct look. You may recognize them by their characteristically thick stems and leaves that often have a waxy appearance.

Succulents store water in their thick leaves. It makes them perfect candidates to thrive in dry climates. Their waxy shine is what allows them to store water for longer periods, similar to their cousin the cacti.

R&S Landscaping, Midland Park offers some of the reasons succulents are becoming increasingly popular in the landscape:

--Beauty: Succulents bring exotic interest to your landscape instantly. Although the y thrive in the northeastern part of the United States for most of the year, they are not traditionally used in landscape design. This is a shame because succulents provide intricate and vibrant colors and texture. You can create unique attention and accents that will have your neighbors turning their heads in no time.

--Low Irrigation: To reduce your watering bill, go ahead and create a garden full of succulents. Because these plants hold a lot of water in their stems and leaves, they do not require daily irrigation. Certainly the time you spend hand-water and moving the sprinkler around your property can be reduced. And when planning to go on vacation each summer, you could check “watering” off your list of responsibilities!

--Low Maintenance: Succulents will not require a lot of pruning or special attention throughout the growing season. It is important to consider each succulent plant’s ideal environment before planting outdoors. Most succulents require at least 6 hours of sunlight and quick-draining soil. When they have these requirements met, they are likely to thrive and grow even more beautiful without a lot of assistance from you.

--Longer Color and Interest: While many plants lose their leaves and grow dormant in the fall, succulents tend to keep their greens, blues, bronzes, and pinks late into early winter in New Jersey. Strategically planting succulents around your garden can ensure beauty and interest throughout your property from early spring to late fall.

--Versatility: Succulents can be planted in pots or containers in addition to the outdoor landscape. In fact, succulents are known for needing very little space to thrive and create eye-catching beauty. They are fun in large cacti-like sizes, or by planting large groups of small succulents in tight spaces or corners of the garden. Their low maintenance needs means you could have a garden where you never thought you could have one before. It is also possible to propagate succulents from cuttings. So, if you have an extra-green thumb, you could grow succulents indoors during the winter from cuttings and re-plant them in the landscape come spring!

For more information, call 201-447-6205 or email, service@rscape.com.