From the Digest

Each monthly issue of the Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society Digest includes club updates, columns and articles by members on their favorite aspects of cactus and succulent culture. Digest Editor Jolie Krupnik and various club contributors always provide plenty of plant material to ponder.

Follow the links to right to view a sample copy of the digest or read individual articles. Join HSCSS to receive every newsletter in print and/or electronic form.

September 2021 Program and More

August 2021

By Mike Hellmann – Now that the end of summer is here, it would be an understatement to say the past 18 months have been rough. No matter who you are or where you live, you’ve been affected by this global pandemic. The silver lining for most of us is that we’ve had our plants on which to focus, distract us and relieve stresses. For this program, several members will share their winter care tips to help you transition your plants into dormancy. …

In Memoriam: Charmaine Nottlemann

August 2021

By Rita Taylor – I was so sorry to hear of the passing of my friend, my cactus and succulent buddy, Charmaine, this past May. At 93 years old, she was amazingly active. Besides taking great care of her plants, she had a fish pond and kept up her own home. I will miss hearing Charmaine’s thoughts on the world. I’ll also miss her at meetings, occasionally saying loudly, “I can’t hear what they’re saying, can you?” …

Let’s Bring the Plants Back!

July 2021

By Mike Hellmann – At the July Zoom meeting, we’ll once again be bringing back the plants that we always enjoyed when we were able to meet in person. Of course, their presence will be virtual, but we’ll at least be able to share our plants and growing experiences with other members. Immediately after Judy Pigue’s program, we’ll begin an open discussion on any plants that are brought to the screen. …

Order 2021 Club Shirts

April 2021

Although HSCSS will not hold a formal show this year, sufficient pre-orders were received to move forward with a club shirt for 2021. This year’s design features an image of a large adenium captured by Woody Minnich during his visit to the island of Socotra. Please contact Joe Merkelbach at jemerk@ecologyfund.net or jemerk2@yahoo.com to order your shirt. …

In Memoriam: Gladys Drummond

March 2021

By Mike Hellmann – After Julie Drummond’s call making me aware of the Feb. 17 passing of her mother, Gladys, I immediately began reflecting on just how big an impact Gladys and her family has had over the years on both our society and our hobby. Gladys Drummond’s legacies will be many, but for me, personally, the success of our society and the appreciation that I have for these wonderful plants are due to her efforts and inspiration. …

Member Tributes – Gladys Drummond

March 2021

Oh, Gladys, you will be sorely missed. This breaks my heart. There was a time several years ago when Patrick and I would shop her greenhouses three times a week through the spring and summer. She always cracked us up telling us what is or isn’t for sale that day. Sometimes you’d get lucky, and she would part with something really special! We got to know her well through the years. …

Leo Chance: Cold-Hardy Picks for St. Louis

February 2021

By David Wolfe – In an engaging Zoom presentation during the February 2021 HSCSS meeting, retired pro gardener Leo Chance recommended a list of cold-hardy cacti and succulents for growing outside in St. Louis. Several Gymnocalycium species, for example, are rather hardy, bloom consistently and …

New Search System Supports ‘Reopening’ of HSCSS Library

November 2020

With the recent launch of a new online search system, it is now easier to review the HSCSS library holdings before making an appointment to pick up desired items. Visit https://hscactus.org/resources/library/ to enter search terms or select alphabetized listings of the club’s hundreds of library books and publications. …