home + garden
TIPS FOR A PROSPEROUS, DROUGHT RESISTANT GARDEN
CARING FOR CACTI + SUSTAINING SUCCULENTS Words by Lauren Farrauto | Photo courtesy of Don Campbell
A
s we move into summer and the dry
people showed up to his first meeting, blowing
Colorado climate compounds with
his expectations away.
scorching temperatures, the plants in your
Now, over 20 people regularly attend the
garden may be looking a little worse for wear
Chinle Cactus & Succulent Society. The group
(okay, maybe a lot worse for wear). If you still
unites at monthly meetings and often take field
want to have an inviting outdoor landscape
trips to surrounding areas to investigate cactus
without the agony of killing yet another beautiful
sites. They recently had a trip to St. George, Utah
plant, maybe it’s time to revamp your yard with
at the end of April.
a succulent and cactus garden.
18
“Many people think having a cactus garden
“Most cacti and succulents are used to this
is maintenance free. That’s not true,” cautions
climate,” says Don Campbell, founder of Chinle
Campbell. Yard litter like dead leaves can easily
Cactus & Succulent Society in Grand Junction.
become caught in cactus spikes, and weeds
“With a bit of supplemental watering in the
are always a problem, even in unfavorable
summer, they will thrive.”
conditions. That being said, succulent gardens
Prior to moving to Grand Junction, Campbell
are typically easier to maintain than a vegetable
was very active in Denver’s local cactus and
garden, which requires consistent, specialized
succulent club. In just a short time following
care. Other than basic maintenance and upkeep,
his move, he began leading cactus hikes and
the only demanding aspect of succulent care is
teaching classes on the basics of these varietals.
watering. Don’t fret; Campbell has some easy
Still craving more consistent cactus connection,
tips to determine a healthy watering schedule.
Campbell decided to scout for interest in a
“In summer, you may need to give them a
succulent and cactus club with GJ locals. 35
little extra moisture, maybe 15 to 20 minutes
