Succulent flower bed (Need advice)

[Islander1]

I recently added another flower bed to my front garden. I decided to go with hardy succulents as there are so many nice once’s out there. On top of the soil I added decorative bark as it looks a lot better then plain soil.

I’ve seen on most succulent beds they have stones under and around the plants. I no the stones are there to help with drainage but I really like the plain bark look. I was told by a gardener if I only water the bed once’s a month it will be ok. Where I live in the U.K we can get a lot of rain at times. Will it be ok to leave or will it be best to add stones under the plants.

[Nicos]

I'm not very good with succulents. Had lots of failures.
I've realised though that is the combination of winter damp and cold which kills mine off.

Learning from this I wouldn't use bark at all. I imagine in the summer it'd be fine but would be constantly soggy in winter.
So yes, maybe just put Circles of pebbles only around the plants ...

[Islander1]

Thank you very much for your advice. I have had some succulent not do so well before but they were kept indoors. I was thinking of keeping the bark on the bed but just removing from under the succulents and putting a layer of stones under them. From my experience I have noticed over watering succulents Is the main killer.

[nickdub]

Could you grow the succulents in pots and sink these in the ground in the Summer/Autumn, then lift and store them in the dry somewhere to over-winter ?

[Islander1]

Could you grow the succulents in pots and sink these in the ground in the Summer/Autumn, then lift and store them in the dry somewhere to over-winter ?

I have not tried but I can’t see why this would not work. I had a few succulents in the bed near the end of last winter and they did really well. I would like to keep them in the ground all year round if possible.

My phone won’t let me upload a photo so will use my partners photo when she gets home from work.

[Scarlet]

You won't be able to load up photos until your posts hit double figures - users permissions . Keep posting and your phone will work in no time.
Welcome to the vine.
I don't grow succulents but I think the bark is asking for trouble.
Why not try dark coloured stones?

Bark retains water and keeps everything moist below - succulents needs a growing medium that aids drainage - indoor potting mixes etc are usually very gritty. I would try to replicate this outdoors.

[bario1]

^^^ Islander has nearly 50 posts... ^^^

[Scarlet]

Oops! Sorry.

No reason not to be able to upload a photo then.
It's probably too big!
Click on this link:
https://tinypng.com/

Upload to that and save back to your phone - this should reduce file size enough. Please have a go. It takes seconds.

[Islander1]

Thank you for your help I got the photo to load up but it won’t let me post it on here. It says drag and the image into the box below but when u try to do this only tabs pop up on the screen.

[Mitzi]

I don't think bark and succulents are a good combination; like previous posters have said, I think the moisture-retentive qualities of the bark would cause damp-related problems for the succulents. What is your soil like? If it's very sandy and free-draining them maybe it would be OK.

[Islander1]

I don't think bark and succulents are a good combination; like previous posters have said, I think the moisture-retentive qualities of the bark would cause damp-related problems for the succulents. What is your soil like? If it's very sandy and free-draining them maybe it would be OK.

I will be removing the bark from under the plants and adding stone so they sit on them. Our soil is just clay so it’s not the best for them.

[Scarlet]

1.Try clicking on the icon circled in red.
2.Then click "from computer"
3. "Choose file"
This will take you to your photo library - click image.
4. click "upload file"

[Nicos]

I will be removing the bark from under the plants and adding stone so they sit on them. Our soil is just clay so it’s not the best for them.

You will have a better idea by this time next year...
No harm in trying...it may work really well for you

[Islander1]

I made a few changes to the succulent bed today. Added some P grit under and around the succulents there are still a few to complete. I also put a wooden fence around to stop the stones falling out.

First photo is how is look now
Second photo is how it looked before the changes.

[Scarlet]

Looks lovely......