The view out of the window this morning prompted me to take some photos.
This was this morning..
..and the same plants (there are 2 in the pot) last December...
It looked a bit happier last June
Some of the other Opuntias were covered by snow this morning, this one's peeking out
Sedum confusum keeps its head above any snow
This morning's view of an offset from the Agave filifera which is now flowering. It's been in a trough since 2005, so not a lot of growth in 16 years
This is it in 2008
It's not just snow they have to contend with. Older photos show that some frosting can look quite good
The spines are less impressive in summer. Looks somewhatstressed - not exactly enjoying life.
Another Chamaecereus in the frost
Opuntias can also look good with frosted spines
Some plants look better in summer. This humifusa is one that seems to enjoy outdoor life, rather than simply surviving
The Sedum hispanicum hitching a ride in the pot is usually a biennial. It's already finished flowering, the seed capsules aren't quite ripe
All of these have been growing outdoors for some years now, so has this Delosperma
This Bergeranthus was photographed a few years ago in the greenhouse, but for some years now it's been at the edge of a cold frame, with the side removed, so getting snow or winter rain on it at times for several years.
This Echinocereus lasted some years, but then succumbed to the attempt at outdoor life
All the plants so far are container grown on the garage roof. I have two reasons for avoiding planting in the ground. There is more sun on the garage roof, neighbour's trees shade much of the garden. The other reason is slugs and snails. Cacti with slug holes in them don't do well in winter. There are a few succulents in the garden. Slugs don't seem at all attracted to Crassula sarcocaulis. It always looks good, whatever the weather at any time of year
So when the usual greenhouse design flaw is a problem (they're made too small), try growing succulents outdoors.