Garden Etiquette Gaffes

Shih-tsu with flower in mouth

No one wants to commit an etiquette gaffe, but when it comes to garden tours, plant shows and sales, and going to nurseries big and small, it’s easy to do. We get caught up in all things spring and can be, well, clueless. Perfect for spring garden touring: A garden hat decorated with succulents. By…

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Upcoming Succulent Shows & Sales 

San Diego Cactus & Succulent Show and Sale, vendor area (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Save the Dates! Upcoming Succulent Shows & Sales  Some of these open early for members. I’ve listed dates and times that events welcome the general public. Details may change as dates approach; click links to verify.  SAT-SUN April 27-28 San Jose C&SS , Fairgrounds: 344 Tully Rd, San Jose, CA SAT April 27, 11 to 3 Palomar C&SS Spring…

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Where to Find Rare Succulents

Euphorbia obesa (c) Debra Lee Baldwin

Collectors shop for rare and unusual succulents at the San Diego Cactus & Succulent Show and Sale Collectors know where to find rare succulents: at shows hosted by Cactus and Succulent Society affiliate clubs. Attend one near you to see unusual plants grown and displayed perfectly; blue-ribbon winners; reasonably priced plants not found in nurseries;…

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Super Succulent Celebration Highlights

Welcome to my booth at the Super Succulent Celebration! The succulents were superb and vendors offered stunning pots and garden decor, but what made the March 23-24 event at Waterwise Botanicals Nursery truly special for me were the people. Top right: Mom and son model crowns decorated with Sculpey succulents. Center left: The king of succulents, Robin Stockwell. Center:…

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LA Drought-Tolerant Plant Festival Highlights

At the recent Drought Tolerant Plant Festival, I managed to smile despite sitting on a cactus cOUCH. The LACSS (Los Angeles chapter of the Cactus & Succulent Society of America) hosts this popular garden festival every June at the Sepulveda Garden Center (a community garden) in Encino, CA. The setting is parklike, with grass underfoot and tall trees providing shade.…

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Succulents at the Spring Home/Garden Show

Greenhouse for succulents in display garden

I zipped around San Diego’s Spring Home/Garden show right before the judging, cell in hand. (When in a hurry, I use my phone to take photos in dim light instead of my fancy-schmancy Canon.) I was delighted with what I saw. No question I’m biased, but the display garden (above) showcasing plants from Desert Theater nursery, and designed by Steve McDearmon of…

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