Prices start at $1 for sale July 15-23
Cacti and succulents of all sizes and unique shapes will fill the Missouri Botanical Garden’s floral display hall when the Henry Shaw Cactus Society presents its weeklong show and sale, July 15 through 23. Hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday July 15, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily in the Garden’s Ridgway Center at 4344 Shaw Blvd.
In its 64-year history the cactus show has grown to one of the Midwest’s largest, presenting an impressive variety of plant specimens from all over the world. Cacti and succulents comprise a large and diverse group of plants, from wooly-topped Melocactus and spiky Mammillaria Fera-ruba to magenta-blooming Adenium and carefully pruned bonsai. Cacti are native to North and South America, while succulents grow throughout the world.
Hundreds of varieties will be offered for all tastes and levels of growing experience. The sale offers novice gardeners an opportunity to start with inexpensive, healthy, easy-to-grow plants. Collectors and serious plant enthusiasts can select among unusual, hard-to-find specimens. Prices start at just $1.
“This is a high quality, well respected show and is considered the best and largest in the Midwest,” said Lillian Giessow, HSCS publicity chairman.
“This year, show co-chair Mike Hellmann has created a general guidelines sheet for the proper care of cacti and other succulents, which will be given to those who purchase plants. Each year this information is requested.”
While the guidelines offer excellent practical information, “an individual will still need to learn what a particular plant needs,” Giessow said. “The best way to do that is to become a member of the Henry Shaw Cactus Society. Our outstanding education chairman, Pam Schnebelen, talks about the ‘Plant of the Month’ and members bring their specimens as examples to learn from.
“This show and sale offers the public a chance to meet members, see their show plants, ask questions and buy plants that are not always available.”
The HSCS is an affiliate chapter of the National Cactus and Succulent Society of America. Members of the 64-year-old club are devoted to the propagation and care of cacti and succulent plants and happy to share their knowledge with fellow hobbyists and the general public, Giessow said.
Those who join the HSCS during the nine-day event will receive an immediate discount on some plant purchases, as well as other benefits. An annual society membership costs $20.
Before they go on public display at noon on July 15, many plants will compete for top honors in over 150 categories, including children’s and humorous. HSCS member exhibitors bring their best specimens for judging.
Admission to the show and sale is free during regular garden hours, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Garden admission is $8 ($4 St. Louis City and County adults, $2 seniors), and free for children age 12 and under.
For the first time, the HSCS show will extend its hours on one special evening during “Chihuly Nights” on Thursday, July 20 from 6 to 10 p.m. Guests who visit the Cactus Society event on July 20 may want to stay to see the “Glass in the Garden” art by Dale Chihuly, lit for the evening. Admission to “Chihuly Nights” is $15 ($10 garden members). Entertainment includes glass blowing demonstrations by Third Degree Glass Factory, music, a cash bar and light fare served at the Spink Pavilion. Visit www.mobot.org for details and advance ticket purchase.
For more information about the Henry Shaw Cactus Society or its annual show and sale, visit www.hscactus.org.
