British Cactus & Succulent Society

Discussion in 'Cacti and Succulents' started by andrews, Dec 19, 2018.

  1. andrews

    andrews Super Gardener

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    Thought I'd post this here. Its probably old news to a lot who frequent this area of the forum but I wanted to put a few words together about the BCSS.

    We joined earlier this year and have got far more out of the society than we could have hoped for.

    We received a selection of cactus seeds with our membership which is the norm if there are seeds available at that time.

    Our local branch is Sheffield and they are a really friendly bunch. There are plants for sale / plant auctions at most months meetings and some real bargains to be had. Our knowledge is limited but there are plenty on their forum and facebook page that are more than happy to help.

    Another benefit is the yearly seed list. Ive gone a bit mad and ordered over 30 packets of seeds but at 30p for a packet of 20 seeds it seemed silly not to.

    Anyway, that's it. If you were considering joining, give them your support. It really is worth being a member.
     
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    • Mike Allen

      Mike Allen Total Gardener

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      Good for you. Groups such as this really do have a lot to offer. Often members from other locations will visit, so there's an interchange of encouragment. Visiting speakers will often share experiences they have learned from other members etc.

      If I may suggest. Get involved. Ask questions etc. Best wishes.
       
    • andrews

      andrews Super Gardener

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      Thanks Mike

      We are getting involved. We initially joined with a view of gaining knowledge on succulents, especially hardy succulents.
      Weve been to one of the members to see his collection. Hes set up a learning environment on cacti, aimed mainly at younger people to get them into the hobby. Our windowsills are slowly being overtaken with cacti and succulents - so much for focusing on hardy succulents.

      We are now looking to assist with the clubs social media - giving something back if we can as we don't have a wealth of knowledge on the plants to give.
       
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      • Verdun

        Verdun Passionate gardener

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        Getting hooked on succulents myself these past few years. Aeoniums can survive the winter here outside and I often have them as bushy 4' specimens in the garden down here. Some echeverias too seem pretty hardy here making large plants.:) A scree is planned for next year.

        Locally Surreal Succulents......6 or 7 miles away.....was a real eye opener this summer with so many amazing succulents on display and I now have several of them.

        Cacti?? Scarred for life as my mother used to grow and sell them and I foolishly tried to repot them. :gaah: Not recommended without being fully aware of their needles. Beautiful esp in flower but I wont be growing them :noidea:
         
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        • andrews

          andrews Super Gardener

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          Weve looked at surreal succulents but haven't ordered from then (yet).

          I'm just thankful that they are not that close to us as I'm sure that my wife would have spent the electric money on more plants.

          Ive bought seed from an EU supplier, SuccuLand. They have a great variety - just hoping that some germinate
           
        • Verdun

          Verdun Passionate gardener

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          Hiya andrews...yes indeedy. The temptation to spend, spend and spend was huge at Surreal Succulents. Varieties, some "brand new", were sumptuous.:) Will be returning with pockets full of cash in very early spring :snorky:
           
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          • Mike Allen

            Mike Allen Total Gardener

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            Pockets full of cash!!! I know many Yorkshire folk who have pockest full of cash...........deep pockets.....strangely they all seem to have short arms. I trust it's a different situation way down in the SW. Look. Select and spend wisely.
             
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            • andrews

              andrews Super Gardener

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              It is true (the deep pocket bit anyway). Having the ability to peel an orange in my pocket is truly a gift.
               
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