GROWING A CACTUS GARDEN
By Krupps .com

Do not think for one minute that you need to live in the Arizona desert to enjoy having a cactus garden.  Although this type of garden does thrive in hot, dry climates, cacti can be grown anywhere, as long as you know how.

 

First, you want to choose cacti that will match best with the specific zone for your region.  For example, just because you live somewhere with temperatures dipping below 40 degrees does not mean you cannot grow cactus.  In this situation, you would simply take the appropriate precautions such as covering the garden during the wintertime.

 

Just like with many other garden types, a cactus garden will require a little more TLC the first year it is planted but the effort and time dedicated to getting it started is worth it.  Typically, you would need to provide more frequent watering, which would help the cactus establish their roots.

 

As you begin shopping, you will probably be amazed at how many different species there are.  In fact, with hundreds of different varieties, you can be sure you will find many different types that you like.  Some of the species you might consider include the following:

 

  • Mat Daisy (anacyclus depressus) – This type of cactus needs full sun as well as low water.  Growing to about six inches tall and 12 inches wide, you will enjoy beautiful blooms in the late spring.

 

  • Thrift (armeria maritime) – Needs full sun and medium levels of water.  This type of cactus will grow to about 12 inches tall and wide, and in the spring, it has a magnificent pink flower.

 

  • Moonshine Yarrow (achillea taygetea) – This yarrow needs full sun and medium water levels, and is a great option in that it adapts easily to native soil.  The soil should be well drained and when taken care of properly, the cactus will grow about 24 inches tall and 18 inches wide.  During July and August, you will see wonderful vibrant yellow flowers.

 

  • Giant Hyssop (agastache cana) – The Giant Hyssop needs full sun and medium water.  The cactus grows 24 inches tall and wide and the blooms, which show up in July and go through September, are magnificent.

 

Once you have your cactus garden established, you can then add various pebbles and rocks to enhance it.  With a cactus garden, you will still have beautiful vegetation and flowering blooms, and best of all, with very little work.