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If you're like most people, you love the idea of sitting on your patio while enjoying the breeze, or your may even love to cook on the grill while entertaining guests. Unfortunately, many patios lack life because there are no plants. But you can change all that by creating your own succulent garden that doesn't demand too much of your time and energy to care for. Use this guide to help you understand succulents and how to create your own garden.

What Succulents Are

Succulents are a beautiful species of plant that stockpiles water in its leaves. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and colors. These plants thrive in well-drained soil and in dry, warm climates. They are not ideal for cold climates, because as the temperature reaches the freezing level, the leaves could die or wilt.

Since succulents enjoy each other's company, you can combine any of the following into one pot:

• Christmas cactus
• Jade
• Aloe Vera
• Hens and Chicks
• Crown of Thorns

What to Obtain for Your Garden

Building a beautiful succulent garden for your patio is easy. Go to the nursery or garden center of your local home improvement store and pick up the following:

• a variety of succulent plants
• shallow pot or dish
• pebbles
• potting soil
• a small trowel or gardening gloves

How to Mix and Match the Plants

Experiment with various patterns of succulents to see what pairings and variations you like. Gardens look especially stunning when the plants vary in height, texture, and shape. Take your time during this design phase to achieve the exact look you're hoping for.

How to Start Your Garden

Layer the pebbles in the bottom of the pot or dish to create adequate drainage space so the plants will never be sitting in water. Cover the pebbles with soil and use the trowel or gloved hands to dig shallow areas for each plant placement.

Set the plants in place and top with a little more soil so each one is firmly in place with plenty of loose soil around it. Water your garden and allow it to dry out in either direct or partially direct sunlight.

Expect to spend only a few minutes putting this garden together. If your patio is large, you can add more succulent gardens around the space to provide even more color and greenery. Ask a landscaper, like one from Precision Lawn & Landscaping Inc, for more ideas on creating the perfect patio landscape.