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.
The current outbreak of the Omicron coronavirus variant has delayed the planned return to in-person activities for the Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society, but club leaders are still doing their best to bring entertaining and informative programs to members and friends from other Midwest clubs. “We will continue to transmit via Zoom all meetings like we have in the past …”
By Eric Driskill – When I heard about and joined the Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society, I wasn’t new to growing and collecting cacti, but I had no idea how little I knew. Joining our local society, I was immediately amazed that there were even a couple of other people who enjoyed these plants enough to collect them, much less join or participate in a “society.” …
After a long hiatus due to COVID-19, HSCSS monthly meetings will return as in-person events at a new venue beginning in January 2022. “Henry Shaw Cactus and Succulent Society is especially grateful to Jerry Jost for allowing us to use his warehouse for our meetings,” Ralph Olliges said. “By using the large space, we will be able to spread out and hopefully keep our members safe.” …
After a survey of members during the September Zoom meeting, results supported an in-person event for the club’s Winter Holiday Party. On Dec. 12 at The Heights in Richmond Heights, members can join in auctions, a raffle, attendance prizes and a game or two. However, no food can be served or brought to the event, and masks must be worn at all times. Please RSVP by Nov. 15 to cuervo28@swbell.net or 314-409-1897.
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. …
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?” …
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. …
The 2021 HSCSS T-shirts are now in hand. If you live in the St. Louis area, the shirts will be available for pick-up soon. We will notify you of the date and place when that information becomes available. If you live outside the St. Louis area and need to have shirts mailed to you, please do the following: …