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.
By Judy Meyer – I realize the show is over – long gone, but wasn’t it fun? I was so excited as soon as the dates were announced. I read about the new organization for the show. I listened intently at the meetings, asked questions and formulated my game plan. This year I was determined to jump in with both feet and take part in our club’s big event. …
This year’s club T-shirts are ready for ordering. The front features Lithops bromfieldii var. insularis, while the HSCSS logo will be on the left shoulder. The shirts are available in several styles and colors at a cost of $25 to $28 per shirt. To order, contact Joe Merkelbach at jemerk2@yahoo.com or 573-275-0021. Give him your name and the style(s) and size(s) …
Several changes have made entering HSCSS’ Annual Show more straightforward and balanced. To simplify entry, most specimen plant categories are based on geographic region rather than plant family. Except where noted, each member may have up to two entries per class. To encourage greater participation, classes are broken into Novice and Advanced categories to allow entrants to compete with their peers. …
Part 2: Building a Raised Bed – By J. Eric Driskill – In this article, I will explain how to build your own raised bed, beginning with a smaller bed. My guess is after you see the results the first year, you will be expanding yours before you start putting plants in there the second year. Your first task is to find the ideal location for your bed. You can do a lot of research …
We need your photos for this year’s club T-shirts. The shirts will feature a non-cactus succulent or group of succulents on the front. If you have a great high-resolution picture or two you would like to be considered, post image files to the chatroom in the HSCSS online forum or e-mail files to jemerk2@yahoo.com. …
Part 1: The Science Behind It – By J. Eric Driskill – I have consistently used a raised bed after I saw such amazing growth results for so many plants. I know a raised bed works, but biology, botany and horticulture articles discuss how differences in container size, including raised beds, affect plant growth. Data in these articles can broadly apply to any plants, including succulents. …
By Jason Chretien – While not formally surveyed, I have found that many people who grow plants as a hobby are naturally curious. Thinking about plant growing with a beginner’s mind is about being curious, open to innovative ideas, eager to learn – not based on preconceived notions or prior knowledge, but approaching what we do with a sense of wonder. …
At HSCSS’ December Winter Holiday Party, Jerry Jost humbly accepted the Martin Schweig Appreciation Award for 2022. Named for longtime HSCSS advocate and volunteer Schweig, the award honors members who freely offer their time, energy and skills for the betterment of the club. …