Green Valley Gardeners – Caring for Cactus and Succulents

Mark Sitter

Mark Sitter

Monday, January 23, 2017; lecture begins at 9:30 a.m. in the Madera Clubhouse Crystal Ballroom.

Guest Speaker: Mark Sitter, owner of B&B Cactus Farm

Subject: Caring for Cactus and Succulents 101

Popular speaker Mark Sitter, owner of B&B Cactus Farm, will share his vast knowledge of all things cactus-related as he makes his fourth visit to Quail Creek this year as part of the Green Valley Gardeners 2017 Winter Seminar series.

Sitter’s topic: Caring for Cactus and Succulents 101. This is a huge family of plants including, but certainly not limited to, cactus, agaves and aloes. Sitter will be bringing a selection of plants for you to see and learn about.

Thinking about the cold nights we’ve had so far this year? After the recent freezes in February 2011 and this past December 2016, the “book” is being rewritten on just which species are truly hardy. Many plants considered to be hardy perished and some surprising plants survived. Since then we learned a lot about which ones were killed and which were damaged but managed to survive and recover.

In addition to his thoughts on hardiness, Sitter will answer your general questions on planting, growing, watering and fertilizing.

Sitter has an extensive background in growing and caring for cacti. He worked for 10 years at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum as a horticulturist, caring for the Cactus and Succulent Garden as well as the Ironwood Restaurant and Gallery. He was involved with many of the museum’s designs and installations of cactus and succulents.

Today he oversees a large and diverse collection of cactus and succulents from around the world growing at B&B Cactus Farm, 1.5 miles east of Houghton Road on East Speedway Boulevard in Tucson.

As always, Green Valley Gardeners’ seminars are free and open to the public. The Madera Clubhouse Coffee bar opens at 7:00 a.m., serving coffee, tea, pastries and other goodies, so come early, relax and enjoy the view.

For more information about the Green Valley Gardeners 2015 Winter Seminar series and other activities, contact club President Bill Berdine ([email protected]) and/or visit the club’s website at www.greenvalleygardeners.com, visit www.greenvalleygardeners.com.