Sunday, March 23, 2008

Another wonderful Mammillaria, a cultivar of the old favorite M. camptotricha. This one is 'Madame Marnier', in which the spines are more curved. A real beauty.

Easter Greetings!

Did you realize that this is the earliest date for Easter that you will experience in your lifetime? The earliest date possible is March 22 and that won't happen now for a couple hundred years! Just what you always wanted to know, right?

We send our best wishes for a Happy Easter, or - if you don't celebrate Easter - belated wishes for a blessed Vernal Equinox -----or Autumnal Equinox in the Southern Hemisphere!

Friday, March 21, 2008

More North Portland cacti


Yes, this is Portland. The homeowner's son brought some Opuntia from Nebraska and threw them under the tree. They spread and eventually crowded out the weeds. She lives in North Portland.

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Oreocereus trollii

Not exactly a new plant to most collectors, the "Old Man of the Mountains" is from Argentina and Bolivia. It's beautiful plant and quite easy to grow. Let the potting mix dry out between waterings and let it have a dry winter period. If dry, it can take temperatures down to around 20F. Grows to about two feet tall.

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Out & Around in North Portland

A nice stand of Opuntia here in North Portland in the University Park neighborhood, growing on the Southeast side of the house.

Monday, March 10, 2008

Mammillaria aureilanata

Another nice Mammillaria - M. aureilanata.. The largest genus in the cactus family, Mammillaria display a huge diversity. After raising them for nearly 40 years, we still enjoy them as much as ever.

Saturday, March 8, 2008

New Plant Images

The last few days I've been photographing some of the plants that we'll be adding to our nursery list as well as some that needed new images.
I always enjoy this. It gives me a chance to spend "quality time" with each plant...to get to know them a little better. So, thought I, why not share some of these "new friends" with you out in the blogosphere.
The first one I'll share is an old timer which we used to have under its old name "Mamilopsis", but now is simply "Mammillaria senilis." I just love the flowers - and the beautiful silver, hooked spines. Wow!