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A Beginner’s Guide to Succulents: Types & Care

How Many Succulents Are There in the U.S.?

Succulents aren’t just one plant—they’re a whole category of water-storing beauties. Across the United States, you can find over 1,000 species of succulents growing naturally or cultivated in gardens and homes.

Globally, there are 10,000+ species, and many thrive in dry regions like the Southwest (think deserts of Arizona, Texas, and California). But thanks to houseplant lovers (like you!), they now live happily on windowsills all over the country.

🌵 Popular Types of Succulents

Here are some of the most loved (and beginner-friendly) varieties you’ll spot:

🌸 Rosette Succulents

These grow in a flower-like shape and are super eye-catching.

Echeveria – Soft, pastel rosettes (a favorite for arrangements)
Sempervivum (Hens & Chicks) – Hardy and multiplies easily outdoors

🌿 Upright & Architectural Types

These add height and structure to your space.

Aloe Vera – Not just pretty—also useful for soothing burns
Agave – Bold and dramatic (best outdoors in warm climates)

🫧 Trailing Succulents

Perfect for hanging planters or shelves.

String of Pearls – Little bead-like leaves that cascade down
Burro’s Tail – Thick, trailing stems with plump leaves

🌼 Cactus Family (Yes, They’re Succulents!)

Prickly, unique, and very low maintenance
Examples: Barrel cactus, Bunny ear cactus

🌞 How to Care for Succulents (Beginner-Friendly)

If this is your very first succulent, think of it like caring for a sun-loving, low-maintenance friend.

☀️ Light is Everything

Succulents LOVE sunlight.

Place them near a bright window (south or west-facing is ideal)
Aim for 6+ hours of light daily
If they stretch or look “leggy,” they’re asking for more sun

💧 Water (Less Is More!)

This is where most people go wrong.

Water only when the soil is completely dry
Typically: every 1–2 weeks (less in winter)
When you water, soak thoroughly, then let excess drain out

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure, wait another day—succulents prefer dryness over soggy soil.

🪴 Soil & Pots Matter

Use well-draining soil (cactus/succulent mix works best)
Always choose pots with drainage holes

No drainage = trapped water = root rot 😬

🌡️ Temperature & Environment

Most succulents like it between 60–80°F
Keep them away from freezing temps unless they’re hardy types like Sempervivum

🌱 Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

Overwatering (the #1 culprit!)
Not enough sunlight
Using regular potting soil without drainage

🌼 Final Thoughts

Succulents are the perfect starting point if you’re just stepping into the plant world. They’re forgiving, beautiful, and come in so many shapes and colors that it’s hard to stop at just one (trust me on that one 😄).

Once you get the hang of their simple needs—sun, dry soil, and a little patience—you’ll start to notice something special…
You’re not just growing plants—you’re creating tiny, living pieces of art.

Do you own a succulent? If so tell below in the comments!

Brighten Your Porch with Cheerful Zinnias

There’s something magical about stepping onto a porch filled with bright, cheerful flowers. If you’re looking for an easy way to add bold color to your outdoor space, zinnias are one of the best flowers you can grow. They bloom in vibrant shades of pink, orange, red, yellow, and white, and they thrive in warm sunshine. Even better—zinnias grow beautifully from seed and reward you with armfuls of blooms all season long.

If your porch needs a little color and life, a few pots of zinnias might be exactly what you’re looking for.

Planting Zinnia Seeds

Zinnias are wonderfully simple to start from seed, making them perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners.

Step-by-step planting guide:

Choose a sunny spot
Zinnias love sunlight. Pick a porch area or garden space that receives at least 6–8 hours of sun each day.
Prepare your containers or garden bed
Use pots with drainage holes and fill them with a good-quality potting mix. Zinnias don’t like soggy soil, so good drainage is important.
Plant the seeds
- Make small holes about ¼ inch deep.
- Drop one or two seeds into each hole.
- Lightly cover with soil.
Water gently
Give the soil a gentle watering so it’s moist but not soaked.
Watch for sprouts
Zinnia seeds usually germinate in about 5–7 days when the weather is warm.

Soon you’ll see tiny green sprouts reaching toward the sunshine.

Caring for Your Zinnias

Once your zinnias begin growing, they are very low-maintenance.

Helpful care tips:

Water at the base of the plant rather than on the leaves to prevent mildew.
Allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
Thin seedlings if needed so plants have space to grow (about 6–12 inches apart depending on variety).
Pinch the tips of young plants when they are about 8–10 inches tall. This encourages bushier plants and more flowers.

With warm sunshine and regular watering, your zinnias will quickly begin producing colorful blooms.

Harvesting Zinnia Flowers

One of the best parts about growing zinnias is cutting fresh flowers for bouquets. The more you harvest, the more flowers the plant will produce.

How to harvest:

Wait until the flower is fully open.
Use clean scissors or garden snips.
Cut the stem just above a leaf node so new stems will grow from that point.

A quick test for readiness:
Hold the stem about halfway down and gently wiggle it. If the stem is stiff and upright, the flower is ready to cut. If it flops, give it another day or two.

Place freshly cut flowers into water right away and enjoy them indoors.

A Porch Full of Color

Zinnias are one of those joyful flowers that instantly brighten a space. A few containers overflowing with colorful blooms can transform a quiet porch into a lively garden corner filled with butterflies and summer charm.

Best of all, zinnias keep blooming from late spring until the first frost, giving you months of color and plenty of flowers to cut and share.

🌼 Garden Question for You:
If you planted zinnias this year, what color would you choose for your porch — bright pink, sunny yellow, or a mix of everything? I’d love to hear what colors you’d fill your porch with!

March… you fresh, green, possibility-filled month. 🌿

There’s something about March that feels like the garden is whispering, “Ready?” The light lingers a little longer. The soil softens. The birds get louder. And suddenly, we’re dreaming again.

This month is all about leaning into that gentle shift from cozy winter to hopeful spring. I made myself a little March bucket list, and honestly? I want to do every single one.

Here are a few I’m especially excited about:

🌷 Picnic on the First Day of Spring

Even if it’s just a blanket in the backyard with a mason jar of sweet tea and a simple sandwich. Bonus points if you tuck in a few fresh herbs from your garden. There’s something magical about officially welcoming spring outdoors.

🌱 Visit a Farmers Market

Nothing says “the season is changing” like strolling past tables of leafy greens, early strawberries, fresh bread, and handmade soaps. I love chatting with growers and gathering inspiration for what I’ll plant next.

🌸 DIY a Spring Craft

This is your sign to make that floral wreath. Press those flowers. Paint that pot. March is creativity season. When the garden wakes up, so does the artist in us.

🕯 Light a Spring-Scented Candle

On rainy March days, when the garden is muddy and you’re stuck inside, light something that smells like lemon, fresh linen, or blooming jasmine. It keeps the spring mood alive even if the weather can’t make up its mind.

🌷 Paint a Thrifted Vase

Ohhh this one makes my heart happy. Grab a $2 thrift store find, give it a soft cottagecore makeover, and fill it with tulips. Instant joy. Instant spring.

📚 Read a Book Outside

Even if it’s just 20 minutes on the porch. Let the breeze flip the pages. Let the sun warm your shoulders. It’s the gentlest way to reconnect with nature.

🧤 Start Spring Cleaning

But make it satisfying. Open the windows. Wash your pots. Organize your seed packets. Refresh your potting bench. Spring cleaning in the garden hits different.

🍀 Wear Green on St. Patrick’s Day

Because why not lean all the way in? Add a little whimsy to the month.

🌼 Decorate for Spring

A basket of pastel eggs. A pitcher of tulips. A simple garland on the mantel. It doesn’t have to be elaborate — just intentional.

March is about momentum. It’s about shaking off the slow winter energy and saying yes to color, light, and growth again.

Now I want to know…

If you could only choose one thing from this March bucket list, what would you pick first?
Are you team farmers market? Team craft day? Team picnic-in-the-sun?

Tell me in the comments — I’m genuinely curious what your March mood is this year. 🌿💛

🌸 March Newsletter: Let’s Get Ready for Spring!

Welcome to your March Garden Newsletter! 🌷

Spring is almost here, and you can feel the shift in the air. The garden is waking up, seed catalogs are dog-eared, and it’s officially time to start planting with intention and excitement.

Here’s what we’re focusing on this month:

🌼 Planting Beautiful Cut Flowers
Now is the perfect time to start planning (and in many cases planting!) blooms that will fill your home with fresh bouquets. We’ll talk about easy-to-grow favorites that give you armfuls of color all season long.

🐾 Safe Plants for Cat-Loving Homes
If you share your space with curious kitties, I’ve gathered beautiful plant options that are non-toxic and safe — so you can grow confidently without worry.

📰 How to Make Seed Starter Newspaper Cups
This is one of my favorite simple, earth-friendly projects. You don’t need fancy trays — just newspaper and a few minutes.

Here’s how to make them:

What You’ll Need:
• Newspaper (black and white print works best)
• A small glass or jar
• Scissors
• Tape (optional)

Step 1: Cut newspaper into strips about 4–5 inches tall and long enough to wrap around your jar with overlap.

Step 2: Wrap the strip around the jar, leaving about 1–2 inches hanging below the bottom of the jar.

Step 3: Fold the bottom excess inward to create the base of your cup. Press firmly against the bottom of the jar to shape it.

Step 4: Slide the jar out gently. If needed, secure the seam with a small piece of tape (though often it holds just fine on its own).

Step 5: Fill with seed-starting soil, plant your seeds, and lightly water.

When it’s time to transplant, you can place the entire cup directly into the soil — the newspaper will naturally break down.

March is all about fresh beginnings. Tiny seeds, big dreams, and the quiet magic of watching something grow.

I’m so grateful you’re here, growing alongside me! Also check out the Shop to see NEW items that have arrived & more will be arriving soon!

Happy planting,

🌿 DIY: How to Grow Moss on Garden Statues

Turn any concrete or clay garden statue into a charming, aged treasure with living moss.

🪴 What You’ll Need:

Plain yogurt or buttermilk
Fresh moss (collected responsibly from your yard or purchased)
A blender
A paintbrush
Spray bottle with water
Garden statue (concrete works best)

Step 1: Choose the Right Statue

Concrete or porous stone works best because moss needs texture to cling to. Smooth plastic or glazed surfaces won’t hold as well.

Pick a shaded or partially shaded area in your garden — moss loves moisture and low light.

Step 2: Make Your Moss Mixture

Add to a blender:

1–2 cups fresh moss
1 cup plain yogurt or buttermilk

Blend until it forms a thick, paint-like paste. It should be spreadable but not watery.

(Yes, it smells a little earthy. That’s part of the magic.)

Step 3: Paint It On

Using a brush, dab the moss mixture onto the areas where you want growth:

Crevices
Edges
Base of the statue
Anywhere that naturally collects moisture

Don’t be shy — thicker layers give better results.

Step 4: Keep It Moist

For the first 2–3 weeks:

Lightly mist the statue daily
Keep it shaded
Avoid direct afternoon sun

Moss needs consistent moisture to establish.

Step 5: Be Patient 🌱

In 2–6 weeks, you’ll start to see soft green growth forming. Over time, it thickens and spreads naturally.

The longer it sits, the more beautifully aged it becomes.

Extra Tips:

Spring and fall are ideal seasons for this project.
If your climate is dry, place the statue near a birdbath or water feature.
You can reapply the mixture to sparse areas after a few weeks.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching a garden slowly take on that “forgotten woodland” look.