notes from the CSSA plant sale at the Huntington June 28-29, 2014

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Aloe cameronii from the Cactus & Succulent Society of America show and sale at the Huntington this weekend. An aloe famous for the deep coloring of is leaves, which requires harsh treatment to maintain, full sun and minimal water. I can do harsh no problem. A variegated Agave leopoldii and Hechtia glauca also made the cut.

The sale is a small affair this year, possibly due to the fact that the Huntington itself is in a state of major upheaval as it works on the new Education and Visitor Center and other projects. The main entry and plaza is shrouded in construction fencing, and an ad hoc, tented entry has been fashioned. Something else new was the requirement to purchase admission to the Huntington to attend the plant sale. In the past, the parking lot plant sale could be attended free. I usually spring for the admission ticket anyway, and today I was grateful for the nudge because the desert garden conservatory was open. I unfailingly visit on the days it’s closed, which is more often than not. I think the sign said it’s only open on Saturdays now, but call to check if it’s a make-or-break reason for visiting.

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In the desert garden, there was lots of Agave bracteosa in bloom.

For the cactus lovers, join me in the steamy conservatory after the jump.

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from the mammilaria table

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a little more mainstream, the echeveria table

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Back to the cactus. As usual, I was lax about getting ID.

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from Brazil, Notocactus magnificus

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a peperomia trailing off and under the staging table

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Agave ‘Cream Spike’

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the Mexican bromeliad hechtia

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crested Cephalocereus urbanianus

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wonderful tawny-colored cactus in russets and golds

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a rare stapelia in bloom

If you missed this show, the big one is still ahead. The Intercity Show is scheduled for August 9 and 10, 2014.

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4 Responses to notes from the CSSA plant sale at the Huntington June 28-29, 2014

  1. ks says:

    So many cacti I used to have..It has certainly dwindled down. Your lovely photos gave me the urge to go out and buy some . I will resist however..plant money is being hoarded for Portland.

  2. hoovb says:

    The show was much larger this year than the one I attended two or three years ago, so the Intercity should be huge.

    I got an Aloe tweedicae, which google replied to with an “explicit pages blocked”. Huh?!?

  3. Deanne says:

    Magnificent pictures as always Denise. Love all these beauties TFS

  4. Denise says:

    @Kathy, can’t wait to see you there!
    @Hoov, I thought this show one of the smallest I’ve attended, barely navigable between tables. Hope I see you at Innercity.
    @Deanne, the light in the conservatory is wonderful. You’d have a blast in there.

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