9 Succulent Garden Ideas That Will Add Sculptural Dimension to Your Landscape – Martha Stewart

Succulents are gorgeous, versatile plants that are easy to care for. Though succulents can generally be planted in most climates, they are best suited to regions in USDA zones 9 and 10 and make a fantastic replacement for grass yards in very hot, dry areas. And, of course, adding succulents to your landscape adds a unique degree of dimension and texture amidst your perennials and annuals. Whether you have a big yard or a small balcony or porch, there are plenty of ideas for creating and growing a beautiful succulent garden around your home.

"Succulents come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, offering endless possibilities for creative garden designs," says Amy Hovis, principal and owner of Eden Garden Design. "Whether used as focal points, ground cover, or accents in containers, succulents can be incorporated into virtually any garden style or theme."

Ahead, our experts share their favorite succulent garden ideas to incorporate into your own landscape design.

Greg Thomas / Landscape Design by Amy Hovis, Eden Garden Design

Designing a landscape with succulents is an easy way to create a beautiful space with minimal upkeep, such as with this modern garden, which includes a Buddha statue and a water feature. "Succulents effortlessly elevate any space with their chic shapes, textures, and hues," says Hovis. "They add an element of sophistication, layering a sleek contemporary feel to any landscape or garden project."

Greg Thomas / Landscape Design by Amy Hovis, Eden Garden Design

Landscaping with succulents offers a way to have a beautiful front yard without the hassle of continuous upkeep and constant watering. "A low-maintenance idea to provide more curb appeal is to build a rock border just off the curb and then plant drought-tolerant and sculptural plants, as well as cacti and succulent gardens for sunny areas instead of grass," says Hovis. "Succulents are generally easy to care for, requiring little attention once established."

Noelle Johnson

Have a bright-colored ceramic container that you want to show off? Plant flowering succulents with contrasting hues for a statement garden piece. "A blue planter adds welcome color when filled with the orange stems of Sticks on Fire euphorbia, and the arching stems of elephant's food (Portulacaria afra)," says Noelle Johnson, AZ Plant Lady, horticulturist, landscape consultant, and author of Dry Climate Gardening.

Noelle Johnson

If you have an unused garden fountain, consider repurposing it into a beautiful succulent planter, like Johnson did here. "An old, unused fountain is repurposed for use as a planter with golden-toothed aloe (Aloe nobilis), and ghost echeveria (Echeveria lilacina)," she says.

Greg Thomas | Landscape Design by Amy Hovis, Eden Garden Design

Adaptable and versatile, succulents are an easy addition to an existing garden or patio space. "For this project, we tucked in succulents directly into the landscape," says Hovis. The design was based on her stylish clients in their modern home. "The succulents add a sculptural element to the more wild and billowy perennials," she says.

Noelle Johnson

Made from stainless steel, galvanized planters are durable and designed to withstand various outdoor weather conditions. Planting succulents in a galvanized planter takes advantage of the width and depth they offer while giving them height to create visual layers. "Succulents, such as Blue Elf aloe, Blue Glow agave, Sticks of Fire euphorbia, dwarf elephants food, andSummer Snow prickly pear make an excellent alternative to thirsty annuals in a metal galvanized container," says Johnson.

Noelle Johnson

It's easy to add even more dimension, interest, and character to your succulent garden with fun garden ornaments, like this pigeon."Hens and chicks, along with sedums, make a textural base for a decorative stone pigeon," says Johnson.

wulingyun / Getty Images

Liven up a wooden fence with a rectangular planter box that will create more dimension in your back, front, or side yard. By planting different shapes and sized succulents with cascading foliage, you'll have a vibrant mini garden. Adding colorful kalanchoes will brighten any succulent arrangement.

Courtesy Dummen Orange

If you love vintage bins and boxes, use one to plant your favorite types of succulents. Mix and match different-shaped plants and unique foliage, like the string of pearls above, to create a one-of-a-kind garden piece.

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9 Succulent Garden Ideas That Will Add Sculptural Dimension to Your Landscape - Martha Stewart