When I moved to Santa Cruz 24 years ago I remember the first time I saw aloe vera, cactus and other succulents growing on the side of the road. It was November, 1992 and I had just left the barren trees and slushy snow of New Jersey when I found myself tranplanted into a year round tropical oasis– a completely alternative landscape from the coniferous and disiduous vegetation I was used to. It didn’t take me long to embrace the California surf culture and Zen-like vibe, which typically involved hot tubs, bamboo and succulents. We have all three in our yard and my husband Bill, handy, creative guy that he is, made these lovely DIY bamboo planters for me and filled them with luscious succulents.
