In My Neighborhood...

I was poking around my colleagues sites yesterday afternoon, to see what they've been up to. Lest anyone think I was just avoiding doing my own work, I'll share some of the things that caught my interest.

I love succulents. If I didn't have to walk across my yard, the whole thing would be sedum. Considering how the low-growing types spread, if I don't stop planting them, I may have no choice. Lisa Hallett Taylor, who gardens in California, has a definite edge over my snow weary garden. So I live vicariously through many of her photo galleries, like her Poolside Succulent Garden Design Ideas.

I won't be poolside for awhile, so I wandered over to look at what was growing in Houseplants. Jon VanZile may be the only gardening guide who hasn't fretted about the long, snowy winter. Jon's been busy growing succulents indoors. In All About Succulents, he starts with the basics and moves on to specific plants. So now I'm growing sedum indoors too. Maybe a carpet of them?

Amy Jeanroy, who remains cheerful no matter how long spring takes in coming, has some excellent tips for Mid-Winter Maintenance . Too few of us venture out to check on the state of the garden in February. Things like heaving and animal damage can still be kept in check, if you get out there and catch them early.

Our Container Gardening Goddess needs only the inspiration of an empty receptacle to start planting. Kerry Michaels seems to have more fun with the containers than the plants. Honestly, don't put anything down next to her that you don't want soil in. I'm talking coffee mugs, handbags, grocery bags. If you don't believe me, here's Kerry's How to Grow Lettuce in a Whole Foods Bag.

And for a Wordless Wednesday photo that truly needs no words, check out this little lamb from Lauren Ware, About.com's Guide to Small Farms.