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Exotic cacti grow alongside natives and scented classics in this hot, dry garden

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Anyone who appreciates cacti and succulents has a head start when developing a thriving garden in a dry climate these plants are among the most drought-tolerant on the planet.

Local water restrictions meant that beds of water-loving plants were not an option for this front garden a flat sunny plot that receives only 26 inches of rainfall a year.

By coincidence, one of the homeowners is a cactus enthusiast, so landscape designers Luke Rabl, Andrew Seccull and Janet Seccull from Jenny Smith Gardens ignored the lavenders and grass lawns normally associated with Edwardian villas. Instead, they have created an informal garden crammed with cacti and succulents.

The beds are covered with pebbles, rocks and groundcover succulents, and linked by meandering pathways of stone, timber and gravel. The focal point of the garden is a 50-year-old dragon tree, Dracaena draco, which is illuminated at night for additional drama.

"The garden is almost an adventure playground of paths, pools and pebbles focused around the dragon tree, with the paths providing a soft, earthy background for the plants," says Andrew Seccull.

Plants were chosen to give an eclectic display of colour, form and foliage. The spiky, sword-like leaves of the dragon tree, kangaroo paw, agaves and red-hot pokers all succulents or cacti are juxtaposed with more traditional plants. These include a bank of wigandias, with their large, rough leaves and purple flowers, and a rambling hedge of scented Cape honeysuckle.

Natives, including the kangaroo paw, two bottle trees, Brachychiton rupestris, and a grass tree, Xanthorrhea australis, grow alongside African and Mediterranean exotics. Contrasting colours provide additional vibrancy and interest.

"We've mixed tropical, hot climate colours, such as oranges, purples, reds and yellows, with cooler blues and greens, and grouped plants that flower together for the greatest impact," he says.