Day 327: Hens-and-chicks Sempervivums delight kids of all ages, but are particularly suited for introducing youngsters to the joys of gardening. Simple to grow and requiring only minimal care, they will quickly overrun the edges of any pot in which they are planted. Adults should take that last phrase as a word of advice: confine them to a small space (the Sempervivums, I mean...although it might also be applicable to your children as well).
The perfect container for Hens-and-Chicks is an old-fashioned "pocket pot," aka a "strawberry jar." Plants set around the edge of the main container will soon send offshoots out on trailing stems, and these "pups" will root of their own accord in the secondary pockets. Likewise, Hens-and-Chicks are good for filling in dull spots in a rockery, but keep in mind that they spread readily and may crowd out other plants with their densely packed, succulent rosettes. Give them plenty of sun and don't overwater. Many varieties are available commercially and fairly cheaply, but ask your friends if they have them in their garden. I've given away dozens.
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