East Austin Succulents, Austin

Noticing that water restrictions were increasingly frequent, gardener Eric Pedley decided to turn his hobby of cultivating succulents into a business. With business partner and fellow local Julie Patton, he filled a rented greenhouse with desert-dwelling plants capable of storing large reserves of water in their leaves and surviving in arid climates. The diverse inventory ranges from prickly cacti to lush aloe and agave, all of which make for nontraditional additions to home gardens. While customers shop, staffers dish out tips on soil mixes, drainage systems, and guttural incantations to prolong the life of potted or outdoor arrangements. The knowledgeable staff—featured on Central Texas Gardener—also creates and delivers festive potted arrangements.