By Mike Hellmann – It is indeed a concerning world in which we’re living right now, with so many new and unprecedented things happening at such a fast pace. We’re living one day to the next, not knowing what the next day will bring. Please find solace in your plants as much as you can. Many exciting things are happening right now with the spring season, so take some time to enjoy them. …

Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society has established a new award to recognize volunteers who freely give their time and energy to support the club. Named in honor of a long-time member who worked for HSCSS on many levels until his passing in 2017, the first Martin Schweig Appreciation Award was presented to Jerry Beckerman. …

By Mike Hellmann – It is with deep regret that I let you all know that Chuck Hanson passed away on May 14, 2019. Hanson was a dear friend to some of our members and was very supportive of our society. He spoke at several of our regional conferences. He was a speaker and vendor at the CSSA convention we hosted …

By Pat Cosgrove – We in the St. Louis region are fortunate to have within driving distance Drummond Nursery, located near DeSoto, Mo. It offers four greenhouses packed with an array of cacti and succulents. Fred and Gladys Drummond began their business in 1968 by producing plants for terrariums, which were …

By Don Lesmeister and Mike Hellmann – As I looked out the SUV’s window, “riding shotgun” took on a whole new meaning. Here I was … riding down the highway in New Mexico, staring out at the rolling hills of the high desert, thinking what a rough terrain it was and how hard it must have been for the early settlers. The landscape …

By Joseph Robertson – I can remember when Steve had just a few plants. But I knew that Steve had an interest in plants and nature. So, one day, while Steve was at work, I dug the first garden at the house. Steve loved it and our shared love for plants and gardening began. Then Steve’s brother Dave gave us an echinopsis …

By Barbara Rengers – Henry Shaw Cactus Society has lost a great mentor and friend. Dorothy Weitz, honorary member of HSCSS, passed away on October 7, 2010, at the age of 97. All members of HSCSS have been touched in some way by this wonderful woman. Even if you were not fortunate enough to know her in …