High, dry and hardy
Two of Colorado’s best-loved rock gardeners have books out this season, both of which help smooth some of the, um, sticky points of landscaping with succulents and cacti, and plants that thrive where no raindrop dares fall. Out since February, Gwen Moore Kelaidis’ “Hardy Succulents: Tough Plants for Every Climate,” (Storey Publishing, $29.95 hardcover; $19.95 paperback) features stunning photos by Saxon Holt and easy instructions for combining the shapes and textures of succulent plants for maximum drama. Due in May, Robert Nold’s “High and Dry: Gardening With Cold-Hardy Dryland Plants,” (Timber Press, $34.95 in hardcover), feels like a must-have primer for the water-conscious gardener. The book, illustrated with photos and watercolors, chronicles Nold’s experiments in high plains gardening and then transitions deftly into chapters devoted to annuals and perennials, bulbs, grasses, rock garden plants, cacti, yuccas, shrubs and trees. Dana Coffield
CLEANUP TIME
Give your dry hands a break
Nothing sucks the moisture from already winter- dry hands more than a few hours getting the garden ready for planting. Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day comes to the rescue with its new basil-scented liquid hand soap. A quick test suggests even people with painfully dry hands will be happy with their washing experience (thanks to aloe vera gel, olive oil and a blend of essential oils). About $5. Dana Coffield
