Greetings friends of the Gardens, I hope this article finds you well. I would like to formally invite you all to come experience the newly renovated Cactus and Succulent House located in the Rock Alpine Garden. Starting your step count from the edge of the Bonfils-Stanton Visitor Center and into the Gardens it will take about 575 steps to get to the front door of the Cactus and Succulent House. Assuming you like succulent plants as much as I do, I suggest you make no other stops on your way as you perform your own individual step counts while also anticipating the awaiting beauty. </p> I took over the care of this collection in October 2020 and began making preparations and plans to refresh excitement of this public display and put these plants in a more naturalistic setting. Most of the more than 215 species located here are frost tender and prefer high light. This collection highlights the range of sizes, shapes and colors available in succulent plants. One of the many reasons you should not wait to see this display is the fact that most of the species from Africa are much more active in growth and flowering during winter months while the outdoor gardens sleep.</p> A few of the more notable specimens include a large-branched Alluaudia procera</em>, endemic to south Madagascar. It is a member of family Didiereaceae. Researchers have yet to figure out where this plant family originated. Alluaudia’s</em> leaves are produced from brachyblasts, a specialized structure that mimics a cactus areole. </p> Another interesting specimen is the Tim Burton-like Ceropegia stapeliiformis</em>. Undoubtedly one of the coolest flowers in existence, this sprawling, cylindrical plant is native to South Africa. Guests of the Gardens can expect to be delighted with flowers from March – October.</p> A plant that was not collected for use in cultivation until the early 2000s is the miniature gem Crassula ausensis</em> ssp. titanopsis</em>. It is native to southern Namibia and has become a staple in succulent collections.</p> One of the most eye-catching plants in this display is the zany, wild and strange Albuca spiralis</em>. It is a bulb from South Africa and has many different forms in the plant trade. One can’t help but bask in the natural beauty of this species. It goes dormant in the summer months shortly after flowering, and the soil needs to be kept on the dry side.</p> I hope you enjoy the new cacti and succulent plant display when you visit us this year!</p>
Pollinators come in all shapes and sizes: bats, moths, bees, hummingbirds and even some rodents move pollen from one flower to another, sparking the cycle of life. Thanks to these incredible creatures, we live in a world full of beautiful blooming flowers and fresh fruits and vegetables. While some pollinator populations are in decline, there are plenty of ways humans can help these critters live their best lives.</p> Learn more about pollinators and what you can do to keep them happy and thriving by joining us for Pollinator Day</strong></a>, Friday, June 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. </strong></p> Stop by the Kathryn Kalmbach Herbaria of Vascular plants to discover the arthropod collection, featuring bugs found onsite and in the field by scientists.</span> </span></li> Join a guide and explore the gardens to learn more about pollinator relationships in action.</span> </span></li> Chat with community partners like the Audubon Society, Butterfly Pavilion and the Xerces Society about what you can do to protect pollinators.</span> </span></li> Make pollinator-inspired art with the School of Botanical Art & Illustration.</span> </span></li> And more!</span> </span></li> </ul> Life as we know it would not exist without pollinators. Whether you are a gardener, a bug enthusiast, or just a person who likes breathing clean air and eating fresh food, come celebrate these small but mighty creatures who help our planet bloom. </span> </span></p>
