A friend recently visited Lotusland and shared a few photos on Facebook, that got me to thinking about the fact I hadn't finished coverage of my November '23 visit. Today's post is a plant-centric one looking at agaves, aloes, cactus and euphorbia around the garden. First up some magnificent Agave victoriae-reginae.
Aren't they just perfection?
I think these are Aloe dorotheae, then again it's kind of laughable that I would even attempt to ID an aloe, my knowledge of the genus is paper thin.
I do know an entire garden area devoted to them ends up looking rather other-worldly.
Agave bracteosa
There are a few Agave gypsophila at the bottom of the photo, and that tall cactus on the right is actually a euphorbia.
Euphorbia ammak 'Variegata'
Euphorbia polygona (I believe)
On the other side of the driveway are the cactus. So many cactus.
Closer to the house (now offices).
I love the golden barrels.
I started to type "even better when they're under a Dracaena draco" (dragon tree) but then realized no, I like the ones against the house better. These two shapes aren't complementary to my eyes.
There is an entire section of the garden devoted to cactus, that's where these next five photos were taken.
Opuntia galapageia var. profusa
Cutest short opuntia tree!
Cutest tall opuntia tree (Opunita galapageia var. galapageia)
I didn't get the name of this one, but it's the cutest droopy opuntia tree.
Agave franzosinii
These could also be A. franzosinii, but I'm not sure.
Blooming Agave franzosinii.
The entrance to the blue garden.
I don't remember this small cactus garden from other visits. Perhaps it's new?
Or maybe I've been in such a hurry to get to the bromeliads that I missed it (the bromeliads and ferns are my last remaining Lotusland '23 post).
The Agave attenuata lining the drive are usually one of the first things I see at Lotusland, but for this visit I entered the garden from a different pathway so I saw them as I was leaving.
And this big boy was outside the wall.
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Fun. Thanks for sharing. I wish I was there right now. ;-)
ReplyDeleteWouldn't it be fun to someday visit Lotusland as a Fling event?
DeleteI love how over the top it is. The golden barrels are perfect, I agree against the warm clay-colored house.
ReplyDeleteOver the top in the very best possible way!
DeleteI REALLY need to get back there...
ReplyDeleteDo it!
DeleteI want to go there sooooo badly! Some day.
ReplyDeleteJim N. Tabor
Someday soon, hopefully.
DeleteA grand selection of plants!
ReplyDeleteThe landscape looks pretty alien to where I live.
I bet it does... I was lucky a few of the plants were in bloom, I can't imagine how fabulous it is when they all are.
DeleteAlways good to see how Lotusland is doing. It looks like its doing pretty good!
ReplyDeleteI can't vouch for it at the moment, but all was good last November.
DeleteThis is a spectacular garden. It's very cool to see plants growing to their full potential, such as Euphorbia ammak "forest": it gives a prehistoric sense.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there's the most beautiful Agave, victoriae-reginae... so many perfect mature specimens all in one spot. Wow.
Chavli
So many! And it's so fun to see the path lined with cactus on one side and euphorbia on the other. So similar, and yet from different parts of the world (convergent evolution).
DeleteYes, the Aloe is dorotheae. It's really the only one I am sure of because it survive here and is red even in the part shade at this time of year.
ReplyDeleteI confess I only knew it's name because I used to have a couple! (also red)
DeleteYes to a fling event there. So many beautiful, otherworldly looks.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post. This brings back so many great memories!
ReplyDeleteJust magical, Loree. Like an underwater seascape. I love all the textures!
ReplyDelete