succulents

Saturday, March 8, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm – Introduction to Succulents

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In this interactive talk at Berkshire Botanical Garden on Saturday, March 8, from 1 to 3 p.m., Rob Gennari of Glendale Botanicals will include considerations such as seasonal water needs, temperature ranges, air movement from dry to wet periods, growing mediums, sun exposure, flowering and fruiting patterns, and succulent enemies: insects, bacteria, fungi, animals, and others. Learn how these considerations relate to your succulents and their overall growing environment. Members $30, nonmembers $45. Register at https://www.berkshirebotanical.org/events/introduction-succulents

Rob Gennari has been the owner of Glendale Botanicals since 1994, and has designed, installed and maintained unique and choice landscapes using his wide variety of rare and uncommon plants.

Saturday, January 18, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Eastern – Agavaceae & Crassulaceae Highlights of Jalisco & Michoacan, Mexico, Online

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Nearly 20 years ago, Julia Etter and Martin Kristen made Jalisco, Mexico their home, embracing the local culture and lifestyle. Now practically Mexican, they immerse themselves in tending their expansive garden and greenhouse, designing a botanical garden for a major Tequila factory, and caring for a lively menagerie of chickens and seven cats. Despite their busy lives, they still seize every opportunity to explore the field. Since 2009, Julia and Martin have collaborated with botanists from the Institute of Biology at UNAM and the University of Guadalajara. Their contributions to botany have been honored with several plant species named after them, including Agave kristenii, Echeveria juliana, E. kristenii, Graptopetalum kristenii, and Sedum kristenii. Their work has been widely published in books, journals, and online, reflecting their deep commitment to sharing the beauty and knowledge of these remarkable plants. More information about their work can be found at agavaceae.com and crassulaceae.com.

On January 18 at 1 pm Eastern, the Cactus & Succulent Society of Massachusetts will present a Zoom virtual meeting with Julia Etter and Martin Kristen, To register (the meeting is for members, but a year’s membership is $20), visit https://www.cssma.org/membership

Wednesday, August 28, 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm – Creative Seasonal Succulent Displays for Temperate Gardens

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Even in the temperate Northern climate it is possible to consider succulents as attractive outdoor additions to the home or formal garden. In this lecture, Harnek Singh will speak in the Far Barn at the Polly Hill Arboretum, 809 State Road in West Tisbury, on August 28 at 5:30 about his many years of creative design as a Horticulturist at Wave Hill in Riverdale, NY where he is the head of the Cactus/Succulent Greenhouse. He will share the details of what he looks for in plants before choosing them for seasonal succulent displays, including how leaf texture, color, maintenance needs, and propagation ease are carefully considered in these succulents and their companion plants. $10 for Polly Hill members, $20 for the general public. Registration is required: bit.ly/PHA-Succulent-Lecture

Saturday, October 21, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Socotra!

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Back in January 2023, Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts members Marek and Maria Kawka joined a Plant Expedition trip to the Yemeni island of Socotra. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Socotra is situated in the Arabian Sea between the Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. 

It was an amazing adventure – Maria and Marek were lucky enough to see many of the unique endemic plants of Socotra.  They also enjoyed experiencing the interesting culture of local Yemeni people. Our intrepid travelers will share pictures of the many plants that were in bloom as well as a few stories from their travels around Socotra, on Saturday, October 21, from 1 – 4 at the Norfolk Public Library, 2 Liberty Lane in Norfolk, Massachusetts. 

Don’t miss this amazing journey as seen through the eyes and cameras of our very own club members Marek and Maria. For more information visit https://cssma.org/meetings-%26-programs

Saturday, January 15, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm – Woody Minnich: The Secrets of Growing Quality Cacti and Succulents, Online

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Woody Minnich will be returning to the Massachusetts Cactus and Succulent Society virtually on Zoom by popular demand after his visit with us during his 2019 northeast speaking tour, when he spoke about “The New, Rare, and Seldom-seen Cacti and Succulents of Mexico.”

Woody’s reputation as an educator and engaging presenter has taken him all over the world to speak about cacti and succulents, sharing his expertise and discoveries as a writer, lecturer, field explorer, grower, and photographer. He is an active leader in the Cactus and Succulent Society of America and its western affiliates. Members who heard him speak in 2019 will remember his colorful stories, his warm humor, and down-to-earth style. The event is open to members and membership is a modest $20 per year, with many interesting programs, exhibits and sales available to members. For more information and to register visit https://cssma.org/meetings-%26-programs

Sunday, February 9, 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm – Wine & Succulents in the Woods

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Beat the winter doldrums with a glass of wine and an indoor garden you’ll create to brighten your home. Join The Trustees on February 9 from 4:30 – 6 for an evening at Rocky Woods in Medfield to design your own magical indoor garden.  In our succulent workshop, you’ll learn how to create & decorate a precious greenspace for your home — dreams of spring are sure to follow. Pretty Planted will be guiding us in this adults only workshop. 21+ event

This class will include a glass of wine, light snacks, indoor garden container, soil, rocks, succulent plants and garden accessories.  Trustees members $48, nonmembers $60. Register at www.thetrustees.org.

Saturday, November 9, 10:00 am – 12:00 noon – Autumn Succulent Centerpiece Workshop

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Bring nature inside and create a beautiful, living centerpiece that will bring life to your table through Thanksgiving and beyond! This Workshop takes place November 9 from 10 – noon at Castle Hill on the Crane Estate in Ipswich.

Succulents are the start of the show in this workshop! Learn about succulent types, handling, and care while creating your own autumn pumpkin centerpiece to take home. 

Price of $52 (members) an $65 (nonmembers) includes all materials needed to create 1 centerpiece, plus light refreshments for an refreshing, creative morning among friends! All skill levels are welcome, ages 16 and over please. http://www.thetrustees.org/things-to-do/northeast/event-48713.html

Saturday, November 3, 11:00 am – 12:30 pm – Cacti and Succulents 101

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Founder of the Cactus and Succulent Society of Massachusetts, Art Scarpa will teach you the basics of care for succulents and cacti on Saturday, November 2 from 11 – 12:30 at The Gardens at Elm Bank, 900 Washington Street in Wellesley. Art will bring live plants and describe their care: including light and watering requirements, soil mixes, sources and lots more. You’ll be able to choose the right plants for you and understand the basic care of these wonderful plants.

Art Scarpa has been growing unusual plants all his life and his hobby greenhouse is filled to the eaves with plants that reflect his diverse interests. His curiosity has taken him to many exciting places to view them in their natural habitats, such as the US south and southwest, Hawaii, Europe, Australia, South America and South Africa. Art was awarded Mass Hort’s Gold Medal in 2013 and has spoken and led workshops at garden clubs and flower shows all over the Northeast. He is a founder and past president of the Cactus & Succulent Society of Massachusetts, and is certified as a judge by the Cactus & Succulent Society of America.
$12 for Mass Hort members, $20 general admission. Register at www.masshort.org.

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Sunday, October 14, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm – Under the Spell of Succulents

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Succulent nursery owner Jeff Moore introduces us to the world of cultivated succulents, offering insight into how we engage with these plants, from the casual enthusiast to collectors and growers. Learn about their use in container gardening, landscaping, bonsai and more, on Sunday, October 14 from 1 – 2 at Tower Hill Botanic Garden. Moore will also showcase the major genera, including aloes, euphorbias, agaves, cacti, crassulas and kalanchoes, with stunning images, and plenty of opportunity for Q&A.

Co-sponsored with Massachusetts Horticultural Society. Jeff Moore is a long-time succulent enthusiast who has owned Solana Succulents, just north of San Diego, since 1992. He is the author of three books, Under the Spell of Succulents, Aloes and Agaves, and Soft Succulents. All three books will be available for purchase and signing after his talk. Lecture is $10 for Tower Hill members, $20 for nonmembers. Register at www.towerhillbg.org.

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Saturday, April 28, 9:30 am – 11:00 am – Creating a Landscape for Your Table

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On Saturday, April 28, from 9:30 – 11 at Hollister House Garden in Washington, Connecticut, learn how to create a landscape for your table that goes far beyond the usual cut flower arrangement. Well know designer and artist Chris Zaima will demonstrate the art of using miniature potted plants and succulents to make unique, sophisticated centerpieces. Following his talk and demonstration Chris will work with participants to create table landscapes to take home. Please bring your own container, suitable for a table centerpiece. All other materials will be provided. HHG Members $75; Non-Members $85. Register online at https://hollisterhousegarden.org/events/creating-landscape-table/

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