By Dot Zanotti Ingels >> IJ correspondent

Master Gardeners enthusiastically support finding homes for succulents in your garden. Once reserved for arid climates, succulents have proven resilient and adaptable.

Including succulents in your water-efficient garden makes creating a dynamic, biodiverse and pollinator-friendly garden easier. The Falkirk Demonstration Gardens include a stunning succulent garden showcasing many species and their uses. The garden also features bromeliads, a subcategory of succulents.

Most succulents originate from low-rainfall regions, making them ideal for Marin gardens. Their ability to store water in their thick, fleshy leaves, stems or roots allows them to survive prolonged droughts, making them perfect for water-wise gardening in California’s Mediterranean climate.

Designing with succulents follows the same principles as planning any garden space. Consider soil, irrigation, lighting and thoughtful design.

• Soil. While succulents are highly tolerant of poor soils, they love a nurturing home like any plant. Much of our local soil is clay, and succulents don’t like to sit in clay. You can amend your soil with organic matter or plant in raised beds and pots.

• Watering. Succulents can survive long periods without irrigation; they appreciate occasional deep watering for a lush look. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry between waterings. When integrating succulents with other plants, ensure their neighbors have similar water needs.

• Light needs. Like all plants, succulents have specific light requirements. Aloes and many crassulas thrive in full sun, but too much intense sunlight can burn them. Shady spots suit Crassula multicava, haworthias and gasterias, but not most other succulents.

• Design tips. As you plan succulent placement, ask yourself about colors, size, textures and contrasts. You wouldn’t want to put a spiky succulent next to where you sit or walk. The variety of colors in succulents is abundant, so have fun with them. Scale is important. If you’re planting in a land

scape, consider larger varieties in the back, medium-sized plants in the middle and maybe a creeper in the front. In pots, thrillers (larger or taller plants) go in the middle, chillers (medium-sized plants) go around them and spillers (hanging plants) go in front so they can drape over. Smooth or spiky leaves may like a more textured plant next to them to help show them off.

• Maintenance. Succulents are low-maintenance, but a few tasks help them thrive. The University of California Statewide IPM Program suggests removing dead leaves to prevent pests and rotating potted succulents for even growth. If a succulent becomes leggy, prune it back to encourage fresh growth. The best time to trim your succulents to keep a more compact shape is in early spring so they can quickly restore themselves during summer’s rapid growth. You can also take a cutting from the stems and create new plants by re-rooting them.The Marin Master Gardeners are hosting their annual succulent sale from 9 a.m. to noon June 14 at the Falkirk Cultural Center’s rear parking lot on Mission Street in San Rafael. There will be individual plants, potted arrangements and bromeliads for sale. Experienced Master Gardeners will be on hand to answer your questions. More information at ucanr.edu/site/uc-marin-master-gardeners.

By incorporating succulents into your garden, you conserve water and create a beautiful, resilient landscape. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced gardener, the sale offers a chance to find unique varieties and gain expert advice. We hope to see you there!

Sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension, the University of California Marin Master Gardeners provides science- and research-based information for Marin home gardeners. Email questions to helpdesk@marinmg.org. Attach photos for inquiries about plant pests or diseases. Please call 415-473-4910 to see when a master gardener will be at the office or drop off samples 24/7 in the sample box outside the office. To attend a gardening workshop or subscribe to Leaflet, a free quarterly e-newsletter, go to marinmg.ucanr.edu.