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I love succulents. I'm even a bit obsessed with them... and can't get enough of their colors, shapes, patterns and diversity! They are striking, versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of places, from a tiny window box or modest deck garden, to a framed vertical wall or an entire living roof. In my opinion, you can't possibly have too many plants around - after all, they take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen, improving the atmosphere.

Succulents are not only gorgeous, but so easy to care for because they thrive in a wide range of soils and moisture conditions from one side of the continent to the other. They are drought-tolerant, so not a lot of watering is required to keep them happy; they actually utilize their stored water - very smart plants.

Here are some of my Tilandsia, nestled into the crook of a tree and topping off some great books.

I also adore Tillandsia or air plants. They are epiphytes and need no soil because water and nutrients are absorbed through the leaves. I have them hanging out all around my house, perched on trees, nestled into pieces of driftwood or sitting atop a stack of books. Like succulents, they are very easy to care for and only need a light misting of water every week or so. It's incredibly rewarding to fill your life with plants that are not only healthy for the planet, but super easy to manage.

My favorite place to relax, get ideas and purchase these incredible plants is Flora Grubb Gardens. It's a truly inspirational place, and the Ritual Coffee Roaster located inside makes one incredible latte.... but back to the plants. I can spend hours meandering around this stunning space and I always leave feeling energized, refreshed and totally creative. I'm even designing my next jewelry collection based on these wonderful plant forms... so stay tuned!

This succulent frame was made by Kevin Smith for Flora Grubb Gardens. Photo credit Caitlin Atkinson.

www.smithbuilt.wordpress.com
www.caitlinatkinson.net

The staff, including owner Flora Grubb herself, can be found working amongst the plants. They're happy to stop and chat about a new addition to the store, answer questions or give advise. Their passion is obvious and they don't hesitate to give back to the community. Every third Sunday at 10:30AM they host a free workshops at the store with their staff experts. A discount will be available that day on the plant group or products being discussed.

Coming up on July 19 - you can create exquisite succulent designs with Hank Jenkins. As stated on the Flora Grubb Newsletter, he is a garden design phenomenon and Flora Grubb Gardens asset who will school you in the ways of succulents. Don't miss this generous workshop - it's free!!!

Keep updated on their events, read Flora's blog and see more gorgeous images of the space:

Flora Grubb Gardens
1634 Jerrold Ave. at 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94124
www.floragrubb.com

Here are some lovely details I shot of the framed wall.

Flora Grubb worked with some amazing architects, Bonnie Bridges and Seth Boor of Boor Bridges Architecture to design her space. They are a LEED certified firm and approach every project from a sustainable design perspective. They designed the building out of a galvanized steel structure, 44’ x 200’ long that spans curb to curb. Sustainable design features include 100% power from a PV array (tied into grid), 25% fly ash concrete, radiant heat and day lighting. Reclaimed materials include barn wood siding and retail display fixtures made from old chicken feeders.

Check out more of their impressive projects:

Boor Bridges Architecture
1686 15th Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
www.boorbridges.com

May 24, 2009

Summer Rayne Oakes and Kirsten Muenster
Photo Credit Gustavo Fernández

The San Francisco book party for Style, Naturally by Summer Rayne Oakes was held May 14 at the Jurlique store on Filmore. The store was a beautiful and fitting setting for this eco-fabulous event. I want to thank Summer, Chronicle Books and the wonderfully supportive eco-community for making it such a fun night!

Jurlique sources their ingredients from their own self-sustaining, certified organic and biodynamic farm in South Australia. From farm to bottle, they grow, process and formulate pure, potent, nutrient rich skin care products.

From their site: Jurlique was founded by a chemist and a horticulturist. Jurgen Klein and his wife Ulrike knew, long before there was global buzz about the benefits of organics and going green, that creating sustainability within a farm system would create mutual benefit for all those involved.

I tried the Lavender Hand Cream at the event and my dry, worn "jewelers hands" felt silky and nourished for the first time in ages. The goody bags contained a few Jurlique samples as well - I can't wait to try the Purely Age Defying Daily Cream with SPF 15.

For more images of the Style, Naturally book party check out Summer's blog:
summerrayne.net

To learn more about the biodynamic skin care products visit the Jurlique website:
jurlique.com