A Celebration of Succulents The Huntington Desert Garden is one
of the largest and oldest assemblages of cacti and other
succulents in the world. Nearly 100 years old, it has grown from
a small area on the Raymond fault scarp when in 1907-1908
William Hertrich brought in plants from local nurseries, private
residences, public parks, and from collection trips to the
Southwest and Mexican deserts. Today the two dozen families of
succulents and other arid adapted plants have developed into a
10-acre garden display, the Huntington’s most important
conservation collection, a most important mission and challenge.
The desert garden features more than 5,000 species of succulents
and desert plants in sixty landscaped beds. Many plants are
labeled with their name and country of origin. Look closely to
discover the different ways succulents have adapted to cope with
drought and defend themselves against enemies. Most retain water
in their leaves, stems, or roots. Many protect themselves with
sharp spines or thorns, and