After an exceptionally long, hot, dry summer in Portland, the containers that look best in my Shop and home garden are succulent combinations of all kinds. They have lower irrigation needs and more forgiving in the heat.

I like to plant shallow bowls of hardy Sempervivum (hens-and-chicks), Sedum, Delosperma and (ice plant) in artful, naturalistic patterns. Tender Agave, Crassula, Aeonium, and Echeveria are favorites, although they require winter protection during Pacific Northwest winters.

MY STYLE: It Takes Three! Three well-chosen plants make artful container compositions. I avoid hodgepodges of one-of-a-kind plants and collections. That’s my personal take…you can develop your own.