Bancroft's creation was planted decades before either succulents or native low-water plants would become popular.

WSJ: Ruth Bancroft, Growing a Piece of History

"We love tightly compact clusters of succulents, " Williams said of his design company.

CNN: Terrariums make it big by going small

She continued to collect succulents on family driving trips to Southern California, stopping at small nurseries along the way.

WSJ: Ruth Bancroft, Growing a Piece of History

While shallow-rooting plants, like succulents, can thrive in a low trough, the roots of dwarf evergreens need a container at least 9 inches deep.

WSJ: Trough Gardening: A Challenger to the Terrarium Craze?

The plants themselves are gorgeous when you get up close, he said, but take a step back to appreciate the size, shape and color of succulents coming together.

CNN: Terrariums make it big by going small

In terrariums, people use any plant that survives well in enclosed areas, including succulents, air plants -- plants that receive their nutrients from the air -- palms and begonias.

CNN: Terrariums make it big by going small

She bought a few succulents from a Berkeley gardener.

WSJ: Ruth Bancroft, Growing a Piece of History

This year, 18, 000 people came to hear the music, eat jambalaya, and watch the Budweiser Clydesdales wind their way through booths selling succulents, tie-dyed t-shirts and Avon products.

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