My Sedum and Succulent Nursery

Growing my Favorite Plants and Loving It!

I was hooked, and never lost that fascination.

My new obsession is Jovibarba heuffelii and all the other Jovibarba species, and lately, it's been that fascinating little gem from Chile, Viola cotyledon.

Now I have my very own Sedum and succulent plant nursery under the umbrella of Blue Fox Farm.

I sell mail order plants through the Garden Shop, which allows me to cultivate my enthusiasm, as well as the plants, to my hearts content, and learn more about the ever fascinating ways of plants.

An online plant nursery is sometimes the only way to get specialty plants; I'm determined to send out healthy, happy unusual plants to your mailbox.

Joining clubs is a fantastic way to meet other plant fanatics, and membership in Alpine Garden Club of B.C. or others like it in your area gives you an opportunity to exchange seeds and plants in your area of interest.

Growing plants for sale and gardening in general has become the fastest growing interest in older generations.

The baby boomers have discovered how fun, and how profitable gardening can be.

I, along with many others in my generation, enjoy using the knowledge that I’ve accumulated, especially over the years since I took my training at Fraser Valley College in Chilliwack, British Columbia to be a horticulturist. Got a question for me? Ask the Horticulturist here!

Indulging in my Passion

Unfortunately, I don’t live near a major center; I’ve found out how uncommon these lovely plants are via the internet, especially in Canada, and the restrictions on importing plants from other countries are prohibitive.

That was the spur for me to make my ever growing collection of Sedum, Sempervivum, tender succulent plants and Echeveria available to other collectors by selling mail order plants.

I grow all the hardy plants outside all year, except occasionally when rooting cuttings which may be done in the greenhouse.

The climate here is warm in the summer months, and usually cold and snowy from November to about mid April. All the Sedum, Sempervivum, Jovibarba and thyme are cold hardy to at least Zone 5 on the Canadian zone map.

Tender succulent plants such as Echeveria Aloe, Haworthia and others that originate in warmer climates are grown in the greenhouse in the summer, where they enjoy the warmth and bright light.

I usually start moving them from their winter quarters about the end of May, and move them back into the house for the winter as soon as the nights become cool and frost threatens in September.

In many cases, the hardy plants are grown in flats or pots, or planted right in landscaped garden beds for others to see them displayed in their preferred conditions, and as stock plants for propagation.

the greenhouse at my Sedum and succulent nursery

I love to take cuttings, make them root and grow into beautiful healthy young plants; seeing a single leaf make roots and a new plant is always a miracle, no matter how many times I see it happen.

I’ve started growing many of the tender succulent plants directly in an open communal flat, and selling the resulting larger plants bare root. I also grow many of the Sempervivum this way, if they're not planted in some of the many succulent crafts that I so enjoy making.

Ways My Nursery is Friendly to the Environment

• I use absolutely no chemicals in my nursery. I feel it’s very important to protect any land we may be fortunate enough to have stewardship over, as well as the customer unpacking the plants.

• I use only natural and organic methods of fertilizing my plants – either adding steer manure or compost to the planting beds, adding worm castings to pots of succulents, or watering with compost tea.

• I sometimes add micorrhizae to the soil for better nutrient absorption by the roots.

• I use sustainable gardening methods of plant culture, more and more every year, including water capture for irrigation purposes.

• I sell most of the plants through this website via mail order to reduce my carbon footprint.

• I re-use all my containers until they fall apart, then take them to be recycled.

It’s been fascinating to build my Sedum and succulent plant nursery, and I’ve learned so many interesting things about plants, how they grow and their many uses in xeric gardens.

Do you have a favorite specialty xeric plant nursery? A great landscaper that knows all the tricks to building a low maintenance yet beautiful garden? Or a xeriscaping supply company? Add them to the Xeriscaping Directory.

Are you an avid gardener, wanting to volunteer your time in a nursery / organic garden? I'm in need of an organic volunteer or two. This is a position that would suit a resident or visitor to Grand Forks, British Columbia during May to October, part time possibly two days a week.

Gardeners, garden club members, other gardening groups: Don't miss this great opportunity to get an excellent supply of really reasonably priced Sempervivum with the Sempervivum Co-op. These are supplied by Cavendish Perennials, well known grower of many different kinds and species of these fascinating hens and chicks.

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