Succulents at the San Diego Botanic Garden

Over the summer I spent time in San Diego.  I traveled around the area visiting a variety of different gardens. I started at Balboa Park, followed by Presidio Park and the San Diego Zoo.  This year I drove up to the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. I could not get over the magnificent Aeonium Zwartkop. They were used through out the garden, found in topiaries to containers. I love the deep reds turning to purple, it creates such visual weight that could be used as a focal point within most gardens, assuming you have the right climate. You can read this forum to see what others around the world had to say about growing Aeonium Zwartkop. Succulents are often found in containers, but I was in awe when I came across the the green roof on a simple shed within the garden.  Just an example of the simple pleasures found in a garden. 

Gardens Gone Wild

A few months ago I traveled to New Orleans. As I walked the historic garden district I could not help but notice nature taking over the city.  Iron fences being swallowed up by wood that looked more like lava as it flowed around the barbs.  Tree roots popped sidewalks up into the air.  Even the cemetery slab were no longer level.  Sigh.