Saguaro is the signature cactus of the American Southwest. This plant is also known as pitahaya, sahuara, and giant cactus.

Though there are perhaps fifty or so species of prickly pears in America, one of the most wide spread is Engelmann´s prickly pear. This is also known by various other common names.

Some may know this plant by its other common name, the century plant. Native to sub-tropical regions of North America, it is found in arid and emi-arid areas.

Easter cactus is also known as the spring cactus. It is unfortunate that this plant isn´t more popular. For those living in cold climates this early flowering plant brings hope and joy.

Global climate change is here. In my local newspaper here in western North Carolina, I read today that 2004 was the fourth hottest year on record. To keep buildings cooler in the summer and warmer during the winter,the solution is to build roof gardens using succulents.

There were too many new succulents for 2005 to fit into the last article, so I´m featuring additional ones here.

Though there are a few exceptions, most cacti and succulents prefer dry growing conditions. The following flowers are some drought-tolerant species that work very well with cacti and succulents.

Succulents can have many uses in the landscape. They often assume the role of ground covers. Those with rock gardens have many opportunities to use succulents.

Though Christmas cactus are commonly available during December, we don´t often hear much about the witner-flowering Echeveria or hen-and-chicks. Typically this blooms around Christmas time.

Plants have many interesting features, and each of these contributes to the overall beauty of the specimen. Most often we might think of leaves and flowers, but the form or growth habit can also make a species really attractive.