Come learn about the wonderful world of succulents, the types of plants that are very easy to maintain, grow, and propagate-- even if you lack the skill of growing plants. While here, you'll also learn about the library's free seed libraries in case you want to grow your own fruits, herbs, and vegies.
I have never been a gardener, but I have always been a garden and plant admirer.
Even before COVID hit I would often drive around neighborhoods and take pictures of yards and gardens I found appealing.
Our World Book online describes Gardening as “the growing and care of plants, usually as a hobby. People garden for many reasons. Most do so to provide flowers, vegetables, and other plant products for their own use. Other people garden to beautify their surroundings. Still others use gardening to reduce stress or even to help treat illness.”
Unfortunately, plants and I have a history.
A bad history—in other words many of my own plants did not survive… until I discovered the beauty of succulents.
Our World Book online also describes a succulent as “the name for a fleshy plant, such as a cactus, that has large stems or leaves in which water is stored. Succulent plants grow in deserts and other places where there is little water. By using the water stored in their leaves and stems, succulents can survive long droughts.” It is easy to re-grow and propagate succulents. If I can do it, anyone can.
To get some succulent inspiration, the library owns some really good books specifically on this topic. Just click on the book cover(s) to be taken to the catalog listing.
Also there are some helpful links to websites about growing succulents:
UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Succulents
5 Helpful Tips for Growing Healthy Succulents
Propagating Succulents in 5 Easy Steps
Use your 14-digit library card for current or back issues of articles on home and gardening. You can read digital magazines online via Flipster, or through the classic OverDrive, OverDrive app, and Libby app websites for use in a browser. They can be accessed on a computer or mobile device. Some of my favorites are Backyard & Garden Design Ideas, Better, Homes & Gardens, Martha Stewart Living, Real Simple, and Southern Living. For example, see “The Grumpy Gardener” column on Aloe in the January/February 2021 edition of Southern Living, p.51.
If you'd rather try your hand at growing your own fruits, herbs, and vegies, the library can get you started with FREE seeds from our Seed Library, now available at all locations. Call your local branch for more information about kinds of seeds available and checkout limits.
The library owns books about seeds, seed swapping, and seed harvesting. Try some of these as you embark on your journey to grow from seed.
The library also owns a series of Gardening for dummies books under the “…for dummies” series. These books are especially helpful for beginning gardeners with clear, concise step-by-step instructions for getting started and cultivating gardens.
For more books on gardening, try some of these. If something is not available at your location, just click on any of the book covers here and place a hold on that item and it will be sent to a branch specifically for you.
For even more succulent inspiration, check out this quick one minute video “How-To Propagate (regrow) Succulents,” and have a succulent spring!