Succulents are plants which can store up to 95% water in their structures. They grow in arid regions of the world, and believe it or not… some succulents really do look like rocks.

So, a living rock garden contains both rocks and succulents.

I began with some cactus & succulent potting mixture.

I selected a low rectangular tray, which already had two drainage holes in the bottom. I covered the holes with screen, so that the tray could still drain, but the soil would not come out.

I then arranged the rocks and succulents, so that I was happy with their positioning.

I chose two Lithops, and one Pleiospilos nelii mesembs succulent plants.

I used my knife to cut around the perimeter of the existing succulent holder, and then turned it upside down to remove it with the soil intact.

I removed some of the dirt where I wanted to set the succulent, and dropped it in the hole. I then tamped down the soil around the plant.

I repeated the same steps for the other two succulents, and added a bit of water around each. Remember – Don’t over water succulents. They are native to arid regions, and hold water.

Here is a top view of the the rock garden, and below a side view.

Within two weeks of planting, I received a surprise… my first flower.

“The ocean is a desert with its life underground and a perfect disguise above.” – From ‘A Horse With No Name’ by America.

A simple garden, easy to take care of, and a nice conversation piece too.