Va-va-bloom!

With its canopy of bayonet-like leaves, the 10-foot dragon tree explodes from the garden -- one of the low-maintenance plants that define this drought-resistant frontyard. But it’s no barren moonscape. Spiky succulents and columnar cactuses play off smooth-leaved aloes and echeverias, bold and bright. Owned by Carolyn and Herb Schaer and designed by Michael Buckner of the Plant Man nursery, the San Diego garden illustrates how low-water doesn’t have to mean personality-free. The design will be among five featured on a tour today hosted by the American Assn. of University Women. For information on the tour: www.aauwdelmar-leucadia.org. For a deconstruction of the colorful landscape, read on. More of the plant palette is detailed in our online gallery at latimes.com/home.