Jo Arnell explains what makes succulents such strong survivors.

Technically, a succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy (succulent) water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, stems, or roots, so they can go for long periods without needing to be watered, which means that these intrepid plants manage to grow where few other plants dare.

Grown on a small scale they can be used as miniature landscaping

Grown on a small scale they can be used as miniature landscaping

Rosettes of Echivera

Rosettes of Echivera

Take-your-pick-succulents-lining-up-for-sale

Take your pick succulents lining up for sale

use-a-lightweight-growing-medium-on-a-living-roof

Use a lightweight growing medium on a living roof

Where-some-plants-fear-to-tread-sedums-and-other-succulents-make-a-great-living-roof

Where some plants fear to tread sedums and other succulents make a great living roof

These versatile plants can be used in many situations here in place of a well cover

These versatile plants can be used in many situations - here in place of a well cover

Succulents have become a popular sight at flower shows

Succulents have become a popular sight at flower shows

Let’s go local

Jo Arnell gives her recommendations for plants that thrive naturally in the great British climate Our native plants are tough. Able to survive frosts, wet winters and – once established – short periods of drought too. They are the bedrock,...

In Shrubs We Trust

Jo Arnell pays attention to some often-overlooked garden stalwarts Shrubs are back. I’m not sure that they ever went away to be honest, but drifts of perennials and meadow plants have been stealing the limelight in recent years. Perhaps it’s...

Making Meadows

Jo Arnell takes a wander through wonderful wildflowers and marvellous meadows I have just come in from my field with a bag of Yellow Rattle seeds, having collected them for a friend to help her establish a meadow. It’s a...