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When I was driving a few days ago, I noticed an agave and some prickly pear cacti growing in a traffic circle here in Seattle. I didn't think the climate here was suitable for that, but I guess it is!



This was no special microclimate or anything, and the area gets the full 40 inches of rain or so that Seattle faces each year. I don't know much about desert plants (yet), but are these plants still alive and relatively healthy? I don't think they've gotten any protection this year, although it has been a very mild winter.

I came across this site which has a number of pictures of desert plants in the area:
http://www.desertnorthwest.com/gallery/ ... attle.html

Anyone here have any experience with growing desert plants in this kind of climate? Any tips?

I have seen some agaves and cacti in the Vancouver BC area. Must have super good drainage.

Always appreciate the opportunity to post this one from a cold rainy/snowy December day in Vancouver in 2005:



This is an Agave growing along English Beach protected with a tarp. It is possible to grow true desert plants along the West Coast, but drainage must be sharp! I can see some rot in the Agave (it'll be fine) and there is some rot in the Opuntia as well (will also be fine). Interesting to note is the loss of colour in the emerging spear of the Agave, many of us in the east were commenting on this phenomenon occurring in our Yucca, apparently it is also an issue there. Might be the lack of light.

I also bitter that I've not had much luck with Agave in my zone 4b/5a garden.

Some lovely shots of Ian Barclays place. I've seen this blog before on the GOTE forum for which he used to frequent regularly. Some great plants there especially the Nolina Nelsoni
My climate is close to the Pacific Northwest, perhaps a little cooler for both Summer and Winter. I grow all my Xeric plants in a sandy soil that I have imported in and is usually 2-3ft above normal soil level to give extra drainage. I don't use aggregate in the soil but only as a top dressing. Many of my yuccas, Nolinas, Dasylirions were covered this Winter but my uncovered plants are ok except for a Yucca Aloifolia that had minor leaf rot.
BTW.... I never use Horticultural or Builders sand. I have found this aids water retention. For aggregate not too small either 10-20ml... some plant only in this type of aggregate.

Thanks for the feedback and tips guys! Perhaps I'll get a little succulent garden started this spring.

Nice pic, Paul. I'm surprised to see such a healthy agave plant by the beach in Vancouver, BC. I'd think that the higher humidity might be an issue.

Andy, it's great to have some people on this board that live in Marine climates with mild winters and mild summers! I've learned a lot from the Hardy Tropicals UK forum. There are some smart people on that board!