MEMPHIS, Tenn. — It’s an exciting summer at the Dixon. With the renovations inside the museum underway until November, emphasis has shifted to more programming in the gardens. Succulents will be on view in and around the Canale Conservatory.
Many different genera are being planted to showcase the interesting and compelling features of succulents. The Kirk Pamper Collection, the second largest Sanseveria collection in the country, on loan from The Memphis Botanic Garden, will also be in the Dixon’s Canale Conservatory.
Succulent is the descriptive term for all plants that store water in their leaves or stems. Cactus is the name of a large family of plants, all of which are succulent. All cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. In the course of developing such special talents, these plants have evolved a special kind of gardening, one filled with unique and wonderful shapes, colors, and textures. Michael Dirr (a horticulturist and a professor of horticulture at the University of Georgia) describes a succulent characteristic as “thickened, juicy, fleshy tissues that are more or less soft in texture.”
Successful in spite of adversity, these distinct individuals of the plant world have adapted over millions of years. Water-thrifty characteristics make this group of plants desirable to the gardener but the distinct look of the plants appeals to designers of both gardens and flower arrangement. We invite you to explore the many amazing textures and patterns of plants with succulent leaves.
Succulent programming includes:
- Munch and Learn: Designing with Succulents Alfresco, Wednesday, July 15
- Lecture: Succulents, Sunday, July 19
About The Dixon
Founded in 1976 by Hugo and Margaret Dixon, the Dixon Gallery and Gardens is a fine art museum and public garden distinguished by its diverse and innovative programs in the arts and horticulture. The Dixon features a permanent collection of over 2,000 objects, including French and American
Impressionist paintings and significant holdings of German and English porcelain.
The museum, located at 4339 Park Avenue in Memphis, organizes and presents 8-10 diverse exhibitions every year. For tour information, contact Amanda Bjorklund at (901) 761-5250, Ext. 102, or abjorklund@dixon.org.
