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A Succulent Oasis at Ruth Bancroft Garden

Agave victoriae-reginae, Queen Victoria Agave, variegated leaves with white stripes, succulent species, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaBanksia flower, unusual yellow flower, succulent species, Australian Honeysuckle, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaSpiral shaped cactus, cluster of small cacti, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, California

In Walnut Creek, California, Ruth Bancroft Garden is a succulent oasis. We recently enjoyed a visit, and were awed by the astounding array of cacti, succulents, and trees suited for arid climates. Many of the blooms are colorful architectural masterpieces. On top of that, the incredible geometry of the plants themselves is some of Mother Nature’s best work.

Aloe schelpei, succulent species, orange and red flowers, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaGroup planting of small cactus and succulent species, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaChilean wine palm, Jubaea chilensis, palm tree species, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, California

Cactus, cactus with silver paddles, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaBoophone disticha, succulent plant species, fan shaped plant with wavy leaves, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaGrevillea 'Kings Fire', red flowers and honeybee, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, California

These plants are certainly well-equipped to handle California’s long drought. They make the most of every drop of water, with leaves and stems evolved to reduce moisture loss and withstand the sun. Sharp spines deter thirsty herbivores. Some are disguised as stones, until they loudly announce their presence with brilliant flowers. With shapes which seem to stretch the definition of what a plant can be, succulents are endlessly fascinating.

Succulent close up, green variegated succulent with thorns, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaCactus and succulents, Barrel Cactus, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaPrickly Pear Cactus fruit, ripening purple and green fruit, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, California

Agaves and succulents, Barrel Cactus, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaSucculent plant, starfish-like plant, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, CaliforniaUnusual succulent flower, Ruth Bancroft Garden, Walnut Creek, California

The garden includes a nursery with a wide selection of plants for sale. We came home with seeds for native California Poppies in purple and cream colors, to add to our own little garden oasis.

Learn more about Ruth Bancroft Garden in this post about our previous visit.

Explore posts in the same categories: General Gardening, Photos

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 8th, 2022 at 8:59 pm and is filed under General Gardening, Photos.

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