Caerulean Skies: Annual Cactus and Succulent Club Picnic 2014

I've been so busy, and wanted to post this last weekend. The Toronto Cactus and Succulent Club hosted its annual picnic at the home of Dalibor and Niki Tichak in Coboconk, ON. We usually have it in July, however this year due to vacations we had it Sept. 6th. I love the idea of having it this time of year, rather than the oppressive heat of July...so much more pleasant. It started out cloudy, but the clouds parted, and the sun shone. It was around 18° C, perfect...for me anyway.

Dalibor has a beautiful collection, all grown from seed. He has many rare Cacti, and succulents. He is a meticulous grower, with everything organized. You will never find any pests on his plants; they are of high quality. People clamour for his plants at our sales, and annual show. Dalibor is very humble, but in truth he has one of the most impressive private collections in North America; not that I have anything to compare it with. This is my opinion. I later went with his wife Niki for a walk totalling 5km in total, and saw some interesting plants, and idyllic scenery. I love this time of year, a time of transition. A marvelous day was had by all.

Escobaria nelliae- gorgeous spination looks like some sort of sea anemone.

Pelecyphora pseudpectinata v. rubrifolia- spination reminiscent of tiny feathers or some strange insect. Your mind can create different ideas.

Mammillaria theresae

M. theresae

Epithelantha micromeris fruits

Mammillaria plumose- looks like fluffy clouds

Astrophytum asterias cultivar with beautiful plentiful white markings

Sulcorebutia rauschii- lovely burgundy heads

Astrophytum niveum v. capricorne

Coryphantha bumamma

View of Dalibors' greenhouse collection

Agave sp.

Crassula mesembryanthemopsis- a rare plant that fascinated me soooo. It is a very slow growing Crassula. This plant was a little bigger than a twonnie. I was so smitten that Dalibor sold the plant to me. This species likes cooler temps, and will reside in my cold greenhouse for the winter.

Lithops sp. with mixed cultivars

Lithops salicola

Pleiospilos compactus- with its scented yellow faces opening to the late afternoon sun.

Pleiospilos simulans

Faucaria paucidens- its flowers glow, and open in the late afternoon sunshine. Dalibor grows it in a bonsai-like fashion.

Monanthes polyphylla

Dalibor and Niki heat their home with a wood stove. It certainly saves money on hydro. This perfectly appointed woodpile will last for approximately 1-2 years.