What are they?  Where do they live?  Why would anyone want to have one?

First we learned that Succulents are plants that have some parts that are thicker and fleshier than normal plants. They store or retain water because they live in arid climates or dry soil conditions. 

We discovered that there are different groups of succulents.  One of the groups is called Echeveria native to Mexico and countries nearby in the Americas.  The students looked at photos on our Apple TV and discussed how the leaves are layered with the oldest at the bottom and the newest in the centre.  Sketching was our next challenge, and the students did very well in this activity.

Arid (dry) places are the natural home to most succulents.  This is why they have thick fleshy leaves or stems - so they can store water.

After putting on latex gloves we had to examine potting soil.  It was crumbly, crunchy, dark, wet and smelt like a garden.  Nothing living is in it so it is not alive.  Next we inspected Mr Z's homemade compost.  It was squishy, wet, spongy and had wood lice, worms and ants in it.  It is alive.  We mixed these two soils to make our potting mix and planted our first succulents.  In the following weeks we added different succulents.  We will be taking these home to plant into our gardens or different pots.  Be patient as they will bloom, but it may be a year's wait or more!

We can grow them inside and outside.  Succulents are tough plants - they do very well in good conditions, but they don't mind a bit of neglect.  They don't take over quickly.  Succulents are an easy plant to grow.  Many can be grown from a leaf or a cutting.  Have a look on the internet - perhaps you would like to add some to your garden!