A Succulent Theatre
In Jean and Brian’s garden, the focal point for both their summer house and their outside sitting area is a big Leylandii hedge. Nothing will grow beneath as it sucks all the moisture and nutrients out of the soil. How to make the area interesting was a big dilemma.
At an MHS Plant Sale, Jean was impressed by, and bought, some of Jill’s collection of Aeonium Zwartkop. Spectacular, black succulents they thrive on neglect, loving it hot and dry - just the sort of plant for this problem area. Other succulents require similar conditions; they come in many forms, leaf shapes and colours and, though small, are interesting architecturally. Some even have flowers.
The only problem for Jean was that they are usually planted in low wide pots. If that were the case, they wouldn’t be seen against the hedge and would have no impact on the space, which needed something taller. Then Jean had inspiration in the form of a traditional auricular theatre. A sort of outdoor book shelf to display pots of individual plants, this would be the perfect way to show off each succulent to best advantage - and fill that focal point with visual interest.
Calling upon Brian’s carpentry skills, the succulent theatre was constructed and put in place. After much trial and error with tester pots, a decision was made about the colour of the paint inside the theatre to set off the plants to best advantage. The decorative lead roof added an important design element and the cat and lizards were ready to bring everything to life
A collection of different, interesting succulents was made. All planted in terracotta pots with a mixture of grit and compost for sharp drainage. Then they were ready for display in the theatre in front of the hedge.
Jean describes the care they need as “easy, easy, easy”, just regular watering and even that is not essential. They thrive in their sunny position and only need bringing into shelter with a little heat in a shed or a greenhouse to keep them frost-free in winter. In fact some, including the aeoniums, have done so well that they outgrew the theatre and now make splendid large specimens in pots on the patio.
Jean appreciates gardens with billowing borders and drifts of flowers spilling over. However, in her own garden she prefers something neater and likes to make a statement with striking, architectural plants. In her own words, a succulent theatre is “ideal for control freaks”.