Article: Start by sprinkling pebbles into the container you’ve selected. The pebbles will provide a foundation for the potting soil and also help drain excess water which can cause succulents to die off or rot. If your planter features holes for drainage, make sure they’re not covered up by larger stones.  For best results, this initial layer of stones should be at least an inch thick.  When working with stones of various sizes (like those you’ve gathered yourself), put the larger stones in place first, then fill in the gaps between them using smaller rocks and pebbles. Shake a few ounces of soil into the planter over the pebble base. Break up the soil to keep it from clumping and becoming too dense. The soil will need to be at least an inch thick in order to hold most succulents securely and allow them to take root.  Use a spoon to funnel the soil into containers with smaller openings. Consider mixing in some sand with your potting soil. This will keep the consistency light and well-ventilated, which is beneficial to the growth and survival of succulent plants. Formulate some ideas about what you might want the general configuration of your succulent garden to look like. For instance, you might arrange tufts of senecio around a sweeping mound of kalanchoe or jovibarba, accented with brilliant Adenium blossoms. Let your imagination run wild—the layout of your garden should be a unique showcase of your personal sensibilities.  Placing a few different types of succulents in close proximity will create a look of eye-catching diversity. Plant “filler” succulents like aptenia cordifolia around the edges of the planter to act as a natural perimeter and fill out the appearance of the garden.  For succulents with beautiful coloration, try ruby ball cactus, Epiphyllum, Echeveria or Queen’s Tears. Remove the plants from their existing containers carefully, brushing away any clinging soil until you expose the root ball. Use the tip of your finger to burrow into the potting soil and carefully place the succulents in the holes you made, making sure the root of each plant is nestled down deep. Pat the soil around the bulbs or stems lightly to anchor the plants.  Let your succulents sit above the rim of the planter, rather than deep down within it. This will create much-needed airflow between the plants and keep water from pooling around their base.  If you’re growing your succulents from cuttings or leaves, place them directly on top of the soil in rows and water them using a spray bottle. Once you’ve gotten your succulents where you want them, scatter more pebbles and larger rocks over the uppermost part of the soil. The added weight of a second layer of stones will hold the plants in place and help distribute moisture more evenly when you water them. After you’ve covered the topsoil, stick in whatever accessories or decorations you please and call it a day!  A second layer of stones will also help protect against wind and water erosion. Accent your garden with colorful glass beads or gemstones. They’ll provide the same function as pebbles, but with a more elegant and personalized appearance.

What is a summary?
Spread a layer of stones over the bottom of the planter. Cover the stones with a layer of planting soil. Design a scenic arrangement of plants and decorative accents. Transfer the succulents to the soil. Use another layer of stones to cover the soil.