Marin IJ Articles

Calling all succulent lovers!

• Jane Scurich

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  This container garden of a collection of succulents in various colors, shapes, and sizes will be available at the June 11 Succulent Sale. Gail Mason

  Succulent lovers rejoice! You and those looking to learn about succulents need to mark your calendar for the UC Marin Master Gardeners’ sale from 9 am to noon on June 11 at the historic Falkirk Cultural Center. 

  This year’s sale is bigger and better than ever! More than 1500 plants in 4-inch, one, two, and five-gallon sizes will be available. One hundred varieties of succulents, including at least 20 varieties not offered in recent sales, are anxiously awaiting their new homes. Numerous hanging plant varieties will also be featured.

  For those of you new to the joys of growing succulents, let me introduce you to some of the wonderous benefits of this plant species. 

  Succulents come in all shapes and sizes, from tiny ground cover types like Lewisia cotyledon, to tree size, such as Dracena Dancer. Many adapt to both full sun and mostly shady locations. Numerous varieties adapt to frost, while others may succumb to freezing temperatures. There are varieties that will thrive in your garden in most any locale. 

  

  Slow growing, with blue-gray triangular shaped leaves, Senecio kleiniiformis will be available in 4" pots at the Succulent Sale. Lillian Trac

  Not only do succulents offer charming shapes and sizes, but they also provide an inviting habitat for insects and other pollinators essential to our food chain. 

  Apartment dweller? No garden space? No problem! Succulents thrive in containers. Everyone can enjoy a succulent garden, from a 4” container in a sunny window to a large makeover of a former water-hogging landscape. Trust our roving advisors to help you select varieties suitable for your micro-climate. Your garden can be filled with year-round blooms, both beautiful and nectar laden, providing nourishment for pollinators during critical seasons when gardens may be low on pollinator food. 

  Succulents can be tucked into stone wall crevices, provide an attractive border, or fill a large garden bed. Spring flowering bulbs - freesias, daffodils, anemones, and more - prefer a dry summer rest after their bloom time. Consider overplanting your bulb beds with succulents that like to be kept on the dry side.

  An added attraction this year is container garden advice by our very popular designer, Gail Mason. Gail has been instrumental in designing and maintaining the succulent demonstration garden at Falkirk. She is also a creative designer of containers, and this year she will share her techniques, hosting two one-half demonstrations, one at 10 am, and one at 11 am.  Using plants from the sale and a selection of containers, Gail will discuss incorporating a variety of succulent shapes, sizes, textures, and colors to best fill your chosen vessel. She will demonstrate how to plant and care for a newly established container. Important preparation instructions will include soil requirements, maintenance, and proper light and water needs.

  No time to get creative? Not to worry – a selection of Gail’s artistic potted container gardens will be available for sale but will go fast!

  

  Well established aeonium species are in the Falkirk greenhouse awaiting their new homes. Photo: Alice Cason

  Why shop this sale? All plants for sale on June 11^th have been propagated by volunteers right here in Marin County. There are no added transportation charges, and no climate shock as plants are not trucked in from outside our community.  All proceeds from this annual plant sale provide support for the demonstration gardens at Falkirk. 

  Cash and checks will be accepted for payment. No credit cards. 

  Location: Falkirk Cultural Center, 1408 Mission Ave (at E Street), San Rafael. The sale will be in the rear parking lot. Carefully observe parking signs in the area. 

  More information, including a full list of plants offered at the sale and two short videos entitled “Getting to Know Succulents” and “Potting Succulents,” are available on our website: https://marinmg.ucanr.edu/ASK_US/EVENTS/SucculentSale/. Check these out before sale time to be fully informed and ready to shop!

  Doors open at 9 am. Come early, find inspiration in the well-marked Falkirk demonstration gardens, meet succulent specialists, and explore the vast world of succulents. Your UC Marin County Master Gardeners are looking forward to greeting you!