Mexican Fence Post Cactus as Living Sculpture

Inspired by Luis Barragán's Mexico City Garden

Designer Craig Pearson saw Mexican fence post cactus (Pachycereus marginatus) planted as a living fence at architect Luis Barragán's property. At a Phoenix home, Pearson clusters and staggers the cactus along the wall separating driveway and courtyard, adding interest. With minimal water, they grow 1–3 ft/year, eventually towering over 8–10 ft wall sections.

Softening the Effect

Two terra-cotta urns with fortnight lily (Dietes iridioides) flank the gate. Mexican honeysuckle (Justicia spicigera), sage, more urns, and a metal lion sculpture round the scene. In spring, yellow blossoms of littleleaf palo verde (Cercidium microphyllum) spill over the wall.