A Love Story: My Obsession with Cactus & Succulents

Ok... I actually started writing this post last week. It was a hard post for me to do because, well, I could go on and on about this subject forever. I guess what I'm saying is- Hi, my name's Amanda and I am a cactus/succulent addict.

I have loved cactus and succulents for as long as I can remember and I have spent loads of dollars on my personal collection/obsession. Every time I move, I have this huge (and very heavy) collection that I have to transplant with me. But I love them, I have spent time and money caring for them, so of course they have to come with me. Do I have a favorite type of cactus? Yes, it's a tie- I love the huge Saguaros or the light green Euphorbia Ammaks. I have a Euphorbia Ammak in my front yard, 2 of them to be exact, that are over 8 feet tall.

Cactus were also very popular in home decorating during the 1940's and 1950's. They appeal to the vintage decorating scheme, maybe that's why I have such a fondness for them. Last weekend I took a trip to Palm Springs, the mid century mecca, and was so overjoyed to stumble upon this place:

Moorten Botanical Garden is seriously, like, my living heaven. Loads of super old cactus and succulents that date all the way back to the 1930's, all laid out perfectly, taking up every inch of space on this property. It was seriously my dream backyard come to life! Their collection is seriously insane; cactus everywhere. Of course I took about a million pictures, all of which you can see here.

Anyhow, so yes, I love cactus. And anytime I can get my hands on anything vintage that's cactus related, I grab it up. I have a few hand painted Mexican circle skirts from the 1950's, but my prize possession is an entire cactus themed 1950's cotton sundress with matching belt. Here's a tiny picture of me wearing it while riding a horse out at Warner Hot Springs Ranch a few years ago:

Anyhow, so this post is a bit mish-mashed, but I think I got the point across. :) Cactus and vintage go hand in hand. They're beautiful and they are a heck of allot easier to take care of than flowers. And now, I will leave you with some cactus randomness....

Taking a Sunday walk with my Boo. Nice closed eyes, Amanda. Whoops. ;)

One of my most favorite spots, a huge cactus garden by my house. It's so gorgeous and so old. I try to go here at least once a week. I believe it has been there since the 1930's.

Vintage cactus-inspired goodness.

Cactus were very popular as textile motifs in the 1940's and 1950's. Here are a few examples on tablecloths.