Last weekend, South Coast Botanic Garden hosted a plant show and sale sponsored by the local chapter of the Cactus & Succulent Society. I poked my nose in during the second day of the event. I was surprised to find so many show exhibits, nicely arranged by members. I took dozens of photos but I'll show just my favorites.
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| Pachypodium collection |
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| An eclectic mix |
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| A grouping of various Euphorbia |
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| Another mixed assortment |
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| Mamillaria and other ball-shaped cactus |
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| Matucana curryandensis |
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| Mostly Gasteria and related hybrids |
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| An interesting mix |
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| This one didn't look real - it's Arbomeitiella brevifolia |
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| Pedilanthus macrocarpus |
But my favorite display had a whimsical note, if not the most unusual specimens. It was entitled "Succulent Dining" and featured a table set with a variety of menu selections.
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| Roasted Chicken |
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| Peking Duck |
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| Roast Pork |
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| Seafood |
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| and, of course, a centerpiece |
There were also some handsome individual specimens.
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| Dyckia 'Brittlestar' |
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| Agave macroantha - I looked for this Agave on the sale tables but didn't find it |
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| Gasteria-Aloe hybrid |
I didn't take any pictures of the sales tables but, even on the second day of the event, there was a lot to choose from and prices were good. Here's what I brought home:
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Top row, from left: Agave stricta, Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby,' and Sansevieria cylindrica
Second row: Dyckia 'Cherry Cola' and Huernia 'Red Ribbons'
Bottom: Euphorbia horrida |
The Euphorbia was labeled E. horrida but I thought it looked a lot like this hybrid:
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| Euphorbia horrida x meloformis |
I'll definitely attend the next show and sale.
Such cool plants! I too like the whimsy of the dining selections. You brought home some great plants.
ReplyDeleteNow, I just have to find places to put them...
DeleteSome weird stuff, you've got here, Kris. Sometimes I like the container better than the plant as in the one with feet on the Pachypodium table. The Pedilanthus just looks diseased. Ruby is very pretty. But I like the Succulent Dining table best. Makes me giggle.
ReplyDeleteI was attracted to that display by the very same container, Jane. I thought the Pedilanthus was interesting, though - it looked more like a sculpture than a plant.
DeleteThat was fun! The Arbomeitiella brevifolia is a show stopper. Our Cactus show is this week and I am planning to be there on the first day. Last year when I looked at my photos I saw so many plants I should have checked for on the sales tables. I know so much more this time. My list is ready to go.
ReplyDeleteThe Arbormeitiella really didn't look real, Shirley. Apparently, it's a regular display item at the Society's show - I overheard one of the Society members talking about its development to its current size and shape.
DeleteNice haul Kris! And those dinner plate arrangements looks fun!
ReplyDeleteThe succulent dinner was a nice surprise in what otherwise would have been a bit stuffy series of show displays.
DeleteGorgeous! All so beautifully presented. Great buys, and I agree your Euphorbia looks just like that hybrid.
ReplyDeleteI wonder how many years (decades?) it'll take before my Euphorbia reaches the size of the one in the show display?
DeleteFun! That Agave macroantha is a jaw-dropper, so beautiful. I dug a couple of pups from my brother's plant (in Phoenix) their dark spines aren't quite so dark and lovely. Your Echeveria pulvinata 'Ruby' has such amazing color!
ReplyDeleteI was so impressed by that Agave - and so disappointed that I didn't find even a tiny one on sale, Loree.
DeleteIt is a funny thing about succulents, they are an acquired taste. I used to hate them and now I am mad about them. The Arbomeitiella brevifolia is amazing, I have never seen seen anything like it before.
ReplyDeleteIt took me a while to warm up to them too, Chloris, but the range of variation, color and their sculptural qualities - not to speak of their durability in our climate - drew me in.
DeleteA great show! Love the dining table - way fun! You made a nice haul!
ReplyDeleteThe dining table was a clever touch, Peter - even the glassware and utensils were decorated in succulents.
DeleteThere were a lot of beautiful and unusual plants and arrangements there!
ReplyDeleteI was impressed by the range of plants on display and for sale - the nurseries don't cover anything near the variety offered at an event like this.
DeleteSo many cool plants! It's like Dr. Seuss world.
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