From the Potting Bench: Succulent Gardens in Terra Cotta Bowls

Succulent gardens in bowl-shaped terra cotta pots make an interesting and unusual accent on your patio or porch, and can come inside at season's end.

These plants thrive in shallow plantings because they store moisture in their leaves and stems. They're fairly drought-tolerant, easy for gardeners challenged by frequent watering. The bowl-shaped terra cotta planters at Urban Roots suit them well, with a good-sized drainage hole. We use a very light potting mix to promote drainage.

Succulents come in many shapes and textures: some with coppery fuzz, some with spikes or needles, some shiny and smooth. Colors range from silvery grey, bright green, rose or purplish, to browns. Some grow upright, some trail. One called 'The Hobbit' sends up chunky arms ending in weird tubular or cupped formations. In our succulent gardens, we've also planted a couple of drought-tolerant annuals for color (euphorbia 'Diamond Frost', and portulaca).