The Cactus Trip Diaries

As you can tell from the previous few day’s reports, I had a great time and probably spent a little longer on them than I should, considering that in about 24 hours time I’m off for four weeks in Mexico. There is still last minute packing to do and a final attempt to track down some habitat locations along the route that are worth a stop to stretch our legs.

So, my attempt to be brief on the remaining pages is by no means a reflection of my lesser enjoyment of the events.

Starting at 8 a.m. we were again on a Magical Mystery Tour, with Bus #1 visiting the collections of Greg & Alice Daniels, Bob & Judi Proctor finishing with afternoon tea at Paul Forster’s. I must have been on Bus #2, as we made the trip in reverse order, meeting up with Bus #1 at Bob & Judi Proctor’s for a BBQ lunch.

Rather than waffle on again, I’ll make this an illustrated report:

Paul Forster’s

Paul Forster showing us his plants growing in green houses spread over his property – here mainly Bromeliads in a poly-tunnel structure covered in shade cloth.

Protection: from what for who?

Horticulture often involves growing exotic plants in a controlled environment. Even endemic plants might need some help to look their best. Unlike in England, where we need structures to keep our plants warm and dry, while here the aim is to protect plants from too intense light and heat while ensuring good air circulation. The cage above would also assist in keeping young children and pets at bay or are kangaroos and wallabies a real threat?

Unfortunately, in waiting for the crowds to pass on to give my camera a free run at the plants, it turns out that I missed seeing Paul’s excellent Haworthia collection that every one was talking about once we were back on the coach.

Bob & Judi Proctor

Bob & Judi Proctor’s BBQ lunch

Australian folklore: Ned Kelly

Getting me in a Mexican mood

… and another reminder of where I’ll be in 2 weeks time: Ferocactus histrix

Greg & Alice Daniels

Detailed, well labelled collection, with plants for sale – here are the Lithops

If an army marches on its stomach, so does a C&S convention, more great Ozzie hospitality!