Dry Ideas : What better for Southern California scenarios than a thirst-quenched garden? A cactus oasis is no barren landscape.

Cactus Gardens: A Peaceful and Low-Maintenance Landscaping Option

When Martin Colver suggested installing a cactus garden in an unused area of his parent’s Costa Mesa backyard, his father, Frank, was uncertain. Planting the cactus would mean removing a 25-year-old pomegranate tree. However, once the garden was installed, Frank quickly saw the benefits.

“The resulting garden is really worthwhile,” said Frank Colver. “Until my son put the cactus garden in, we rarely used that space. Now we sit out there more than any other area of the yard. It’s surprising what a peaceful feeling the garden generates.”

The Beauty of Cactus Gardens

Many people picture cactus gardens as barren wastelands, says Martin Colver, a groundsworker for Newport Beach Parks Division. “But there are many different types of cactus, and they can make a stunning display,” he adds.

With over 2,000 cactus species, the options are vast. Some grow large and make a showpiece, while others are miniatures suitable for smaller gardens or containers. Cactus can grow as trees, with branches, or in traditional barrel shapes.

Popular Cactus Varieties

  • Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii): Dark lime green with yellow spines and a fuzzy yellow top when in bloom.
  • Red Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus stainesii): Dark green with red spines.
  • Candelabra Tree (Euphorbia ingens): A tall succulent with a main trunk and several branches, reaching up to 8 feet in height.

Creating Your Own Cactus Garden

In his parents’ garden, Colver planted over 40 species of cactus, alongside a fountain, bench, and multicolored granite rocks to enhance the peaceful feel. His interest in cactus began seven years ago after a camping trip to Baja, where large varieties of cactus grow. After that, he started collecting cactus from nurseries across Southern California.

Although a full landscaping project isn’t necessary, cactus can make great accent pieces. “Cactus contrast well with plants like palms, hibiscus, and bird of paradise,” says Richard Hipp, owner of the House of Cactus.

Essential Tips for Growing Cactus

  • Light Requirements: Choose a location that is warm and bright, but not full sun all day. Cactus don’t need scorching heat.
  • Soil: Cactus thrive in well-drained, sandy soils. Amend heavy clay soil with raised beds or containers using sandy loam.
  • Watering: Water sparingly during the dormant months (November to February). During the growing period (spring to fall), water weekly, but ensure soil dries out between waterings.
  • Fertilizing: Use a fertilizer low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium during the growing season. Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent weak, disease-prone cactus.

Repotting and Maintenance

Cactus can be repotted any time of the year, but avoid going up more than two pot sizes. Use a cactus-specific soil mix, and add a small amount of clay to retain moisture.

Colver’s parents’ cactus garden has thrived thanks to raised beds that provide excellent drainage, especially during wet winters. Proper soil preparation is essential to prevent rot, especially in areas with heavy clay.

Conclusion

Whether you’re creating an entire cactus garden or simply adding a few accent pieces, cactus are a low-maintenance and visually striking addition to any landscape. With proper care, they can thrive for years, bringing beauty and peace to your yard.

Julie Bawden-Davis

Julie Bawden-Davis is a bestselling journalist, novelist, blogger, and YouTuber. A prolific author, Julie writes in several genres. She enjoys creating page-turning suspense served up with a dose of romance, garden books that turn any brown thumb green, and spiritual books meant to enlighten and inspire. Widely published, Julie has written 45 books and more than 4,000 articles for a wide variety of national and international publications. She lives in Southern California, where she enjoys sunny, blue skies most days and year-round gardening. Julie gains inspiration from being surrounded by plants when she writes.