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 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. …
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. …
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. …
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. …
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 …
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. …
A small number of shirts are still available for purchase. These will be offered during the December Winter Party. Prices for standard shirt sizes are $18, with 2XL $19 and 3XL $20. Shirts can be mailed at an additional cost, if needed.
Former HSCSS President Mike Hellmann has joined the Cactus and Succulent Society of America board of directors. Although Hellmann had been nominated as a board candidate for next year by Woody Minnich, he was recently appointed by CSSA President Jeff Pavlat to replace a director who had to resign from the board. Hellmann’s term runs through the end of 2021. …