Summer Plantings

I love succulents, so I'm looking for ideas to plant in my desert garden.  Here's one of my top choices.

Please post any that you recommend.

Ouch 

Yes, you do have to be very careful handling these things or they can ***** you.

Well I'm no expert, but I have heard that if exposed to too much daylight they can become very hard so maybe not ideal to plant in your garden in the desert? 

Each one has its own preferences for sunlight and moisture.  You have to select carefully or they might not last in a harsh environment.

Also, remember to keep an eye on that particular type throughout the autumn and winter.  They tend to shrivel up in the cold. 

I agree.  You should cover them with something to protect them.  Do you recommend plastic, vinyl or maybe latex?

I usually recommend latex but sometimes the specimen can have a reaction to that,  so you may need to find something more natural to cover.  I hear they make nice coverings in lamb skin, especially if the specimen is reactive. Or you might try a more chemical approach. 

I think you need to give some extra attention to the two smaller growths - I've heard it will make the bigger one grow even larger.

I think that's great advice.   Once they get older, they don't stay as firm.  In fact they can get wrinkly and go limp. The little ones need lots of attention.