We lived in Fort Worth, Texas for a short time in the mid 1970s. Friends would describe the beauty of the West Texas desert in bloom, but I never experienced it. Back home in Indiana, I don’t remember studying cactus or succulents during my Purdue University Master Gardener Program. The closest I get now is planting the occasional indoor succulent dish garden, usually without long term success. I water them too much and too often, and invariably the roots rot. Bummer.

On a recent trip to San Diego, I had the opportunity to accompany my sister-in-law, Alexandra, and Hidden Meadows Garden Club members on a field trip to Waterwise Botanicals. They have anything you’d need to landscape a Southern California property, but I was most taken with their cacti in showy full bloom. Timing IS everything. As we walked through rows of colorful cacti in bloom, an employee remarked that just two days before, NONE of the cacti were blooming. What?? How lucky I was that spring made its appearance known just as I got to town! Such a difference between San Diego’s zone 9b-10a and Madison, Indiana’s zone 6b!

I can recognize a prickly pear, but I’m hard pressed to know a Trichocereus from an Echinopsis. If you’re a cactus savant, feel free to comment on the photos and let me know what I’ve photographed! Otherwise, please enjoy the simulated “desert in bloom” captured among the following specimens at Waterwise Botanicals.

As you probably know, all cacti are succulents, but not all succulents are cacti. Many of the garden club members bought a variety of interesting fleshy succulents to add interest to their home landscapes. Apparently in this climate zone they can spread like crazy.

Although I couldn’t buy any plant material while at the nursery (airline travel + a zone 6b destination), I had a wonderful time exploring. If you’re ever in the San Diego area, I highly recommend a trip to “cactus heaven” at Waterwise Botanicals.

Written by

sallymcw

One thing that makes my journey unique is that all of my interests are driven by a joyful and genuine curiosity. I delight in finding less expensive ways to make something or creative ways to enjoy something longer. Finding and creating joy - and sharing it - is core to who I am.