See Carolyn's Dragon Tree Garden, Before & After

When Carolyn Schaer moved to Southern CA from New Jersey, it dawned on her that she could own some of the oddest plants on the planet. Sure, there are colorful, tried-and-true succulents throughout Carolyn's garden---arranged beautifully by her brilliant-but-eccentric designer---but the real attention-grabbers are her sci-fi succulent trees.
Here's what I love about following a garden for seven years: I'm able to show you before-and-afters. When I first visited Carolyn's garden in 2015, I thought it unfortunate that a main sight line led to the hulking house next door. In two years, the behemoth was nearly concealed by not one but a phalanx of bottle trees: 10-foot green tanks with fluffy foliage. Now, five years later, the neighbors' castle is a non-issue.
RELATED INFO
On my site learn more about Carolyn's bizarre-but-beautiful succulents and see her garden's plentiful (but more prosaic) "stars." There's info not in the video about soil, fertilizer, rocks, pathways, planted islands and more---plus a gorgeous gallery of 40+ plants, all ID'd. Find it all at: debraleebaldwin.com/succulent-landscape/dragon-tree-succulent-garden/
See more gardens by Michael Buckner in my book, Designing with Succulents, and on my site: debraleebaldwin.com/?s=Buckner
Have a question about succulents not answered here? Use the Search bar at debraleebaldwin.com/
ONLINE SUCCULENT SOURCE
- Mountain Crest Gardens: bit.ly/2k5gxqA
BOOKS BY DEBRA LEE BALDWIN
- Designing with Succulents (mainly about in-ground gardening), amzn.to/2M7bBig
- Succulents Simplified (good overview for beginners), amzn.to/2Ewil2I
- Succulent Container Gardens, amzn.to/2VZvGeE
CONNECT WITH DEBRA
-- Website: debraleebaldwin.com
-- Newsletter: debraleebaldwin.com/subscribe/
-- Online “Stunning Succulent Arrangements” Class: www.craftsy.com/class/stunning-succulent-arrangements/
-- Blog: debraleebaldwin.com/succulent-blog/
-- KZbin: kzbin.info
-- Facebook: @DebraLeeBaldwinOfficial
-- Instagram: @debralbaldwin
-- Succulent Chic Shop: bit.ly/2If7Qpg
ABOUT DEBRA
Award-winning garden photojournalist and bestselling author Debra Lee Baldwin shares her expertise about “plants that drink responsibly” in print, photos, videos and her “Celebrating the Joy of Succulents” newsletter. Debra is based in Southern California, home to more succulent specialty nurseries and growers than anywhere else in the world.
Mountain Crest Gardens interview with the Queen of Succulents kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWbdiGyZe7yUjNE
This video's URL is kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6KzeXp8ppishQ
#firewisegarden #succulentgarden #dracaenadraco #dragontree
0:00 Introduction
0:30 Michael Buckner
0:43 Dracaena draco dragon tree
0:50 Agave victoriae-reginae 5 years ago
2:42 Aloe cameronii
5:06 Furcraeas
5:11 Kalanchoe beharensis
5:45 Euphorbia trigona
6:05 Parodia magnifica
6:16 Allauadia procera
6:34 Portulacaria afra, variegated
6:58 Agave potatorum verschaffeltii
7:13 Seven years ago newly planted
7:21 Barrel cacti, Yucca rostrata
7:32 Pumice
8:05 Dasylirion wheeleri
8:12 Brachychiton rupestris
8:46 Dracaena marginata
9:48 Succulents Simplified Debra Lee Baldwin

[@QueenofSucculents]

Have a question on ANYTHING to do with succulents? Go to debraleebaldwin.com and browse the menu or use the Search bar. Btw, my site is not monetized---no annoying pop-up ads. It's my gift to my followers and the culmination of my career as a horticulturist/photojournalist specializing in succulents. You'll find 100+ pages of tips and ideas; thousands of photos and must-know facts for specific varieties; curated design ideas for gardens, landscapes and containers; interviews with experts; seasonal info; and much more. Use the site as a research tool that also is entertaining---the same goal as my KZbin channel. Q's welcome!

[@igaudion973]

I think this is THE most beautiful garden I've ever seen. I'm jealous

[@QueenofSucculents]

And this is just one of many residential succulent gardens on my channel. Check out my "Great Succulent Gardens" playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLfBjDimnqpMps8-ggNkbqiuXh1fk8fMiH

[@timmillan6701]

A. victoria regina is stunning in the landscape

[@QueenofSucculents]

Yes! I totally agree. Too bad it's sooo slow growing.

[@mnevils4493]

Absolute perfection. I love this garden and designer.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you, Lynn. I agree!

[@thehoofandpaw]

A beautiful and inspiring garden. Thanks also for such a well produced video, so much useful information.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Many thanks to you, H&P, for such a lovely comment. Truly appreciated😻

[@robertbrewer2190]

There are not enough superlatives to describe this garden. Hearing from the owner and the designer about the installation and to see the rapid maturation of the garden is a rare treat. I'm reminded of Lotusland. What a spectacular achievement!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Wow, Lotusland...high praise indeed. Yes, Carolyn's garden is a three-dimensional art form. So many factors to consider. It is indeed an achievement.

[@gaywizard2000]

Jesus H! This is nicer than most botanical gardens! I'm a Canadian, we do not have gardens like this, love it!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you! Honestly, though, there's no garden in the world like Butchart, and if I recall, it's in Canada.

[@gaywizard2000]

@@QueenofSucculents yes it's on Vancouver Island which is the warmest climate in Canada! For the 99% of the rest of the country it's a different story, myself I live in the wonderful climate of the Northern Plains! Not a lot of Dragon trees to say the least!

[@QueenofSucculents]

@@gaywizard2000 My new next door neighbors are from Edmonton. Needless to say, SoCA is a bit of a change for them.

[@gaywizard2000]

@@QueenofSucculents omg, I live in Calgary, warmest regards to all!

[@catherinetylka7909]

fabulous, I learn something every time I heard you speak and see Michael B's work!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you, Catherine!

[@gorrillagardening3692]

The picture of Carolyn's first garden was my inspiration picture when I first noticed succulents and decided to plant a garden. I need Michael Buckner in my life! - These gardens are stunning and clean ... the hillside is a picturesque backdrop. I prefer this "specimen" style of planting.

[@QueenofSucculents]

@@gorrillagardening3692 What an awesome tribute to Michael’s abilities and to Carolyn’s foresight. Thank you, Mr GG!

[@bonsummers2657]

Word out for Michael Buckner! And much appreciation for you, your work, and conveyance, Debra!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you. I'm delighted with the way it all turned out...including the video. I'm glad I had footage of Michael talking about the garden.

[@droogsurgeon1440]

Man I wish I could afford that. I would just be outside all the time. Beautiful!

[@QueenofSucculents]

I know, right?!

[@janecurtis5726]

Gorgeous garden and design! What I love the most is that all the plants accommodate the environment instead of stressing it.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Yes, it's an example of practical landscaping that's also aesthetically delightful. The future of gardens in Southern CA.

[@rebeccagandi5258]

I am a Gardener myself but all the same I love your Dragon garden. Even though I do not grow Dragon Succulents like you Do.. Thank you .

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thanks so much Rebecca! 😊

[@robertbrewer2190]

I return to this progam over the years and derive great enjoyment from it and imagining how the garden may have changed. I hope we get to see it again as it develops and perhaps re-develops Thanks again to you both!

[@QueenofSucculents]

I hope so too!

[@paulm5817]

what an amazing dragon tree - such a beautiful specimen - lovely garden

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thanks Paul, glad you enjoyed it...and the dragon tree 😉

[@desereesantillanes-torrez6823]

Stunning! I needed this. I'm sick of winter. I can't plant 98% if these here in New Mexico but to see other people's succulent/euphoria/cacti gardens is one of my favorite pass times.

[@gianniguizzunti1442]

Wow. I'm speechless. Thanks for sharing!

[@phillipgarcia4581]

Absolutely Beautiful 🌴🌴🏜🏜

[@QueenofSucculents]

What a lovely Monday-morning comment. Thanks, Phillip!

[@doloresmarquez1641]

What an incredible garden, I love the selection of plant material. The ribbons of color on the hillside looks so great!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Yes, and really not all that difficult. Thanks, Dolores!

[@TheMillennialPlantDad]

Such a beautiful garden omg!

[@RVBadlands2015]

What a beautiful yard. Love the dragon trees.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Me too 🤩

[@No.DROUGHT.about.IT.]

An all access pass to the thought process from designer, homeowner & commentary by Debra! Stunning garden. This was inspirational & informative.

[@QueenofSucculents]

I'm so glad you liked it Sue Ann. I'm proud of the way the video turned out 😘

[@MedusaJellyFish300]

Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous, garden 🌳🌴🌵🌾

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you thank you thank you!

[@JC-dq8un]

Debra, love it, please go back to this garden and take videos for every section. Please tell the owner I would love any cuttings she’s willing to give ❤

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thanks JC. Hopefully Carolyn sees this!

[@JC-dq8un]

@@QueenofSucculents I would love to see the garden. Carolyn’s before and after pictures gave me hope.

[@sj6919]

Thank you for sharing this. Outstanding, a garden to be proud of for sure.

[@QueenofSucculents]

You're very welcome, SJ. Thanks for taking time to comment!

[@jednoducha]

Beautiful Garden. Thank.

[@nmj3735]

Beautiful...amazing garden. Took my breath away....simply magnificent!!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank YOU for a magnificent (and much appreciated) comment!

[@MedusaJellyFish300]

Wow, wow, wow, what a beautiful majestic garden, I love it, just watching the video made me feel at peace ✌️ in my apt 😀

[@QueenofSucculents]

I'm so pleased to be able to take you to a different world!

[@horticat9476]

Just gorgeous. It was interesting to hear Michael talk about grouping plants together in drifts, to mimic nature. I wouldn’t mind being stuck at home with such a spectacular garden to enjoy! Thanks for the video Debra and to Carolyn and Michael too - it’s special to get a look at such an amazing private garden.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Hey there Horticat, thank you for a lovely comment! Yes, that sort of grouping is a Buckner signature.

[@jimtokunaga5844]

My dream garden! Shout out to the homeowner who was willing to share. This gives me inspiration for my own yard.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you, Jim, for a wonderful comment!

[@elenafumero3143]

Que bonito jardín!! Me encanta me recuerda a los jardines de Tenerife . Hay muchísimos dragos y suculentas por aquí. Maravilloso!!!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you, Elena!

[@Lannisam80126]

Absolutely beautiful. Loved this video, the garden, the owner and the designer. Thanks for sharing.

[@QueenofSucculents]

And thank YOU for a lovely comment!

[@creationsbyonofre395]

I absolutely LOVE everything about this garden. Thank you, Carolyn and Debra for sharing.

[@QueenofSucculents]

You're very welcome! Thank you for commenting.

[@tibetandragon]

Beautiful garden with variations of depth and color.. thank you for sharing this clip.

[@QueenofSucculents]

You're welcome, TD!

[@alexandralacerda492]

Stunning, absolutely gorgeous🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thanks, Alexandra! Glad you enjoyed it.

[@1pink2blue]

This is an outstanding garden! Thank you very much for sharing !!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you Wendy! And for the lovely comment.

[@DeetherTan25]

Thank you so so so much Debra! You're the best ! 🥰🥰😁✨💓🙏🏻💕God bless you more

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you! People like you make it all worthwhile!

[@glow1815]

Magnificent and beautiful!!!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you! What a great way to start my week!

[@daleandrews3552]

Absolutely gorgeous! I've been cultivating succulents off and on now for years and this is one of the most well arranged garden I think I've ever seen. I have both liked the video and subscribed to your channel, Debra Lee. I'm always impressed with your videos, Debra and love your channel. Happy growing from Louisiana! 😁

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you for an "absolutely gorgeous" comment, Dale 😘

[@jillianleblanc9370]

Thank you for sharing beautiful and amazing succulents garden looking very lovely

[@isabelcanoperez7200]

Thank you so much for sharing. Not very often to see a garden like this!!!!

[@QueenofSucculents]

It was very gracious of Carolyn to let us see it.

[@garygilliam1890]

This is beautiful

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you, Gary!

[@WaterspoutsOfTheDeep]

Those trees are so fun and so cool looking and on top of it water responsible. I just don't get how they aren't more common. They don't even look crowded or anything, just right for filling a space and giving decent shade and vertical interest while keeping that open feeling. Also that side property hill with the tree aloe and oranges and reds flowing together like a sea is breathtaking. I've never seen anything like that in my life. Thanks for sharing.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Nurseries will offer them in response to growing demand. Not only does that take time, but plants take a while to mature enough to be sold, and then t's a matter of them becoming an in-demand plant, so nurseries will offer them. It could take several years for them to get large enough to be salable.

[@dezikirkcaldy5708]

Absolutely beautiful.Your garden is what dreams are made of.Thanks for the pictures.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Possibly my favorite comment ever, Dezi! Thank you!

[@anttikuusmetso]

What a beautiful garden! My best regards and many thanks for a video! I already have some own seedlings of Dracaena draco, but Brachychiton was a surprise for me, many thanks for information! I just bought 2 seeds on EBaY. ))

[@QueenofSucculents]

May they grow fast and thrive for you!

[@nicolewoods8197]

Absolutely beautiful. So happy to get a notification about your video. I really enjoyed the garden.

[@QueenofSucculents]

I'm happy you got it too. Thanks for subscribing, Nicole!

[@jadestar1580]

Beautiful! 😍 Thank you for the video.

[@ceciliatorres1882]

What a beautiful garden ❤❤❤. Sp inspired to turn my frontyard into a succulent garden😍😍😍

[@QueenofSucculents]

That delights me, Cecilia. Thank you for a lovely comment!

[@teresavega7675]

Spectacular! What a treat to see it! Thank you Debra!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you Teresa -- Your comment is a treat as well!

[@susitorre-bueno9009]

Fascinating video! Thanks for putting the names of the plants on top of their photos.

[@QueenofSucculents]

You're most welcome! Also find a gallery of 40+ of the garden's plants on my site, all ID'd. ;+) debraleebaldwin.com/san-diego-succulent-sources-and-destinations/

[@pacificgardener]

Love the garden!!! Most outdoor succulents here in Las Vegas needs afternoon shade especially during very very hot summers. 🌞

[@QueenofSucculents]

So nice of you

[@oceanair9257]

Love the garden! Thank you for sharing !!!

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you! 😘

[@lisamoser5685]

I love this! I'm looking to redesign my yard. These are very inspirational! Thank you for sharing your talent.

[@QueenofSucculents]

That's wonderful, Lisa! Glad you found it inspiring. Thanks for commenting.

[@aj-li4ly]

Great video!

[@kaseyhenderson574]

I love love love this yard

[@Verhoh]

Just one word. WAUWIE.. !

[@NgaNguyen-ze5ox]

Beautiful

[@javsoul]

superb! my dream garden!

[@northeasthardytropicals541]

This is insanely amazing. Wow!

[@QueenofSucculents]

LOL, thanks!

[@succulentaesthetics6620]

amazing one Debra! you are my inspiration ❤

[@QueenofSucculents]

Ha! Wish I could take credit. Thank you, though.

[@mariegtolosa7459]

Wow! Beautiful

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thank you! 😊

[@yourmarkie346]

My dream garden 😍😍😍

[@shawnralphsolomons3219]

Hi. I've two species of dragon trees in my garden. One is growing aerial roots on one of the three stumps. Can I cut below the aerial roots and propagate? Which is the best method to propagate with these heavy trunks?

[@QueenofSucculents]

Hi Shawn -- Excellent question, but I have no idea. You might want to consult the plant expert who designed the garden. Michael Buckner is a former succulent nurseryman and there's nothing he doesn't know about them, including trees and rarities. www.deeterbucknerdesign.co

[@chababannour]

So amazing ❤

[@BetoFaistauer]

Wonderfull, thank you for share 🤠🙏🏻🇧🇷🇧🇷🌻

[@cocojam5198]

Gorgeous

[@QueenofSucculents]

Purr.

[@crocopix]

That's like something from alien planet. Amazing.

[@sandrabeck8788]

I’m insouth west gulf coast Florida, and I would like so much to get rid of our sticky native grass…and put in native or succulent plants. Part of the year we get NO RAIN. Part of the year we can get 3-6inches a day! The soil is pure sand. It can rain 3” and a fe hours later the sand/soil is dry. I LOVE the look of this and wonder if it could work in Florida.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Oh Sandra, I wish I could tell you it would!

[@stevevicki5671]

Neat house and garden. Does Carolyn do the maintenance, or the designer or someone else?

[@QueenofSucculents]

The designer has a crew come as needed. Most succulent gardens need maintenance 3 or 4 times a year. For referrals, see debraleebaldwin.com/caring-for-succulents/succulent-garden-maintenance-referrals/

[@creaturedomes9364]

Debra I had a question. I have a large mature Foxtail agave that I plucked a small pup from the trunk of the plant. After planting into a small pot, I noticed it started to flower. And now has a small arched flower just like the mature arched foxtail flower bloom. Is that normal? Its only 3 inches in diameter leaf tip to leaf tip.

[@QueenofSucculents]

I've heard (though haven't seen firsthand) that the same hormones that promote flowering in the main plant can cause its pups to flower too.

[@creaturedomes9364]

Oh thats cool!! And a little sad its going to have a short life. Iv been taking pictures of it and video to remember the little foxtail.

[@creaturedomes9364]

Thanks for answering!

[@michellechapman8738]

Beautiful❤❤❤❤

[@QueenofSucculents]

Thanks Michelle, glad you liked it!

[@philliesphillips6346]

How did the succulents do in the snow in Santa Fe

[@freciemagdirila7075]

It snowed in Rancho Santa Fe, California, last year? Didn’t know that.

[@361Tattude]

I’m about to start a cactus/succulent garden but I’m a bit worried because I’m in south Texas where the heat is easily 95 degrees during the summer and my yard doesn’t have much shade. Are there any you recommend that can handle full sun daily?

[@QueenofSucculents]

Yes, and it'll seem obvious when I tell you: Those that are native to your area. As for which those may be, check with your local Cactus & Succulent Society, and notice neighbors' gardens with specimens that are thriving (and you like the look of).

[@361Tattude]

@@QueenofSucculents thank you. And yes I’ve been snooping everyone’s front yards as I drive to and from work😂

[@roycepeniston5012]

Also I've seen those fuzzy kalanchoes on the set of the Adams Family.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Really? Surely not the old TV version. But what a perfect choice for them!

[@DadePomsouvan]

Where did you get the dragon trees and the bottle trees?

[@QueenofSucculents]

I saw large dragon trees at Desert Theater Nursery in Escondido the other day. Not sure about the bottle trees. Will ask Michael.

[@AMIR-nm7fo]

Beautiful. No it’s not a painting… IT’S REAL

[@salpon]

I knew it was a Michael Buckner design the second I saw it!

[@QueenofSucculents]

He does have certain "signatures." One I didn't mention is that pebble-lined dry creek bed. Thanks for a great comment!

[@QueenofSucculents]

For more great tips; specifics on the garden's slope, soil, pathways, islands, stone and fertilizer; and a gallery of the plants ID'd, go to debraleebaldwin.com/succulent-landscape/dragon-tree-succulent-garden/ 🤓

[@roycepeniston5012]

What's the fat one in the back by the window? It's not a jade or adenium and probably not a cyphostemma. Could it be dendrosicyos?

[@QueenofSucculents]

There's a cyphostemma that hadn't leafed out yet (dormant in midwinter). I took the other cyphostemma photo at a different time of year.

[@sagefields]

Are these the same Dragon Trees you'd find on Soqotra or are they a different species?

[@QueenofSucculents]

Well I learned something...per Wikipedia: "Dracaena draco, the Canary Islands dragon tree or drago, is a subtropical tree in the genus Dracaena, native to the Canary Islands, Cape Verde, Madeira, western Morocco, and is thought to be introduced in the Azores. Its closest living relative is the dragon blood tree of Socotra, Dracaena cinnabari." Pretty sure Carolyn's are good old draco, but one of the photos in the video may be of cinnabari (I shot it at the San Diego Botanic Garden). The two species look a lot alike.

[@zecabresto69]

Hello, which species of Kalanchoe with large trunks? 😉

[@QueenofSucculents]

In the video: K. beharensis.

[@zecabresto69]

@@QueenofSucculents Many thanks

[@eddiefniii]

Wow. 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻❤️🔥🔥🔥

[@QueenofSucculents]

A fire-breathing comment! Thanks, Eddie.

[@DavieHill-xg6mh]

I wonder what the value is for the cyphostemma juttae

[@QueenofSucculents]

No idea, but designer Michael Buckner might know. He’s easily contacted on IG.

[@360revolucion8]

As much as I love some plants, I realize I don't like to have plants that are good at containing 🕸️🕷️🕸️ galore like Euphorbia trigona, and aloes, agaves, yuccas, Juniper (which is the plant I dislike the most) and other plants as I experience and learn which ones I have to often clean up spider webs from. There are also many trees in the Bay Area (N. Cali) that when you walk on the sidewalk or your yard you accidentally walk across slider 🕸️ webs face/chest high 🤬 sometimes with an actual 🕷️ nearby 😱.

[@QueenofSucculents]

Oh my. Guess this is not the time to confess my fondness for orb-weavers?

[@TatjanaZuravlova-o4n]

💖💖💖

[@QueenofSucculents]

💖💖💖

[@forrestnaujock5447]

I have a 3 acre aloe tree garden near Palm Spring that you may want to visit

[@QueenofSucculents]

Wow, it sounds wonderful! Let's talk.

[@navdeepsingh-pk5qk]

New aunty wah 😁😁

[@manoranjanbadaseth9848]

How can I brought a dragon blood tree plant please tell me madam

[@QueenofSucculents]

I don't sell them. I'll try to find out for you. Where are you located?

[@genomic_]

😮😮

[@basurampc5884]

un drago Canario.....Islas Canarias

[@olderolderman4603]

More is less lee is more . .

[@sleepersix]

This would all die in Texas

[@QueenofSucculents]

Yep.

[@IhaytFukkingsocialmedia]

thank you thank you thank you!! i'm interested only in edible succulents, and I discovered Portulacaria afra here! for florida climate change heat/sun/drought thank you!!