April 2026 Mini Show
Cactus: Echinocactus; Ferocactus
Succulent: Gasteria; Haworthia
This month we are taking on two genera of cacti with names that say “stay away!”, though I suggest just the opposite.
April Speaker | Peter Walkawiak
On April 10th, Peter Walkowiak will discuss growing succulents at Redlands Church of the Nazarene. With over 2,000 plants in his collection, he aims to educate attendees on soil, watering, exposure, and growing techniques through a hands-on demonstration and a Q&A session.
April 2026 President’s Message
Jeffrey Loew shares updates with Gates members, reflecting on a mild winter and blooming Mammillaria. A judged competition will be featured at the 2026 Show and Sale, with volunteer opportunities available. Members are reminded to renew their 2026 memberships for eligibility in mini-shows. Woody Minnich will speak at the March meeting.
Woody Minnich | March Meeting Speaker
The event on March 13th at Redlands Church of the Nazarene features a speaker with over 55 years of experience in cacti and succulent research, cultivation, and conservation. The presentation, titled “Texas to Tamaulipas,” will explore the rich biodiversity of cacti in the Sierra Madre Oriental and adjacent regions, highlighting rare species and their habitats.
March 2026 President’s Message
Jeffrey Loew shares updates with Gates members, reflecting on a mild winter and blooming Mammillaria. A judged competition will be featured at the 2026 Show and Sale, with volunteer opportunities available. Members are reminded to renew their 2026 memberships for eligibility in mini-shows. Woody Minnich will speak at the March meeting.
February 2026 Mini Show
The post discusses columnar cacti and miniature agaves, highlighting their unique characteristics and growth requirements. Columnar cacti, known for their upright form, vary in size and growth rates, while miniature agaves showcase a rosette shape with distinctive terminal spines. Both types have specific care needs and offer impressive landscape potential.
Tim McCoy | February Meeting Speaker
On February 13th at 7pm PST, Tom McCoy will speak at the Redlands Church of the Nazarene about the native aloes of Saudi Arabia. With 35 years of research, he has discovered new species and authored significant publications, including “The Aloes of Arabia.” McCoy is a respected botanist and aviculturist.
February 2026 President’s Message
Jeffrey Loew, the president, shares greetings and discusses the mild winter in Southern California, inviting members to showcase their winter-growing plants for the newsletter. He highlights the upcoming cactus and succulent show season, reminds members about their 2026 membership renewals, and announces Tom McCoy as the speaker for the February meeting.
January 2026 Mini Show
The content discusses the cultivation and characteristics of Mammillaria cacti and Aloe succulents. Mammillaria display wide variability in shape and growth, thriving with proper care. Aloe, particularly Aloe vera, is popular for its medicinal uses and adaptability. Membership dues are required for participation in the monthly mini-show featuring these plants.
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Gates Cactus and Succulent Society 