His crowning achievement: a topiary triceratops, dubbed Trixie, made of succulent plants.

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It's a succulent oasis on 3 acres that uses very little water, a surprisingly exotic island of sculptural desert plants surrounded by suburbia.

WSJ: Ruth Bancroft, Growing a Piece of History

Bancroft's succulent garden and is part of the 8-acre family compound, is well-tended, with mature plants and fruit-bearing trees.

WSJ: Ruth Bancroft, Growing a Piece of History