Sustainability took center stage at the San Francisco Flower and Garden Show. This year's show highlighted sustainable plantings that included natives, succulents, and self-contained growing systems. Lest you think that sustainable plantings = boring plantings, rest assured that being resource-wise has never been so chic.
![IMG_0522](https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2790/4479807867_6931fe7c19.jpg)
This award-winning display featured native grasses, a living roof, and metallic multi-purpose animals. You'll notice an owl perched atop a porch covering. Living or "green" roofs are great for gardeners with small spaces. Not only does it extend square footage for growing, but it is a great way to use low-water plantings to insulate the structure below.
![IMG_0521](https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/4479807859_5436198c38.jpg)
The metallic armadillo, which was part of the same exhibit, doubled as a grill.
Succulents looked positively pre-historic in scale and appearance.
![Plant Groups](https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/4479807879_c4b733fa20.jpg)
Though tradition has often suggested that large plants should be highlighted as specimens in the landscape, displays like these successfully group them together for major impact.
![IMG_0530](https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4065/4479807871_5f8deced8e.jpg)
And this year's must-have hardscape item is ideal for plantings like these. Isn't he great? I mean, who doesn't want a 30-foot turquoise dinosaur in their backyard?