As summer transitions to early fall, plant shows and sales in Southern California are ending. The 43rd annual Succulent Symposium at the Huntington is approaching, featuring speaker Dylan Zoller. Attendees are encouraged to register and participate in exploring cacti and succulent conservation and education. Event details will be shared in the newsletter.
Tag Archives: 2025
July 2026 President’s Message
Greetings Gates!
I hope you are all having an amazing summer! As hot days become more frequent and the abundant sunshine pours over our gardens, we see an increase in blooms (and growth) as our collections are really starting to pop off! I invite you to take advantage of those gorgeous moments and take pictures. We are always looking to add member content to our website, newsletter, and social media.
June 2026 President’s Message
It’s that time… our annual show and sale is upon us! See the attachments with this month’s newsletter email for show and sale information.
We also have an exciting new section of our club website…
May 2026 President’s Message
It’s that time… our annual show and sale is upon us! See the attachments with this month’s newsletter email for show and sale information.
We also have an exciting new section of our club website…
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 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.
March 2026 Mini Show
Cactus: Notocactus; Parodia
Succulent: Dudleya
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.
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.
Gates Cactus and Succulent Society 