To promote knowledge, enjoyment, cultivation, and conservation of cacti and other succulent plantsamong its members, other individuals and organizations throughout West-Central Colorado

MAY PROGRAM: ALBERT LASALLE PRESENTS“A SCIENTIFIC VIEW OF CACTI & SUCCULENTS” Having trouble keeping “genera”, “species”, “family”, and other botanical terms straight when working with cacti and succulents? Well, help is on the way! Retired

botanist, Albert LaSalle will be presenting the May program at the regular meeting of the Chinle C&SS on May 10th. His focus will be to demystify the nomenclature and taxonomy systems currently in use and other bits of scientific information.

A Colorado native. He has lived in Grand Junction for 45 years and taught science at both Orchard Mesa Junior High School and Grand Junction High School for a total 29 years. A Master Gardener of 12 years, he has taught various classes of plant science for the Master Gardener classes as well as presenting classes to various green industry groups over the years.

Albert has a beautiful wife Terry who has also worked with the master gardener classes. He also has two “yappie rat dogs” that keep him company while Terry is off to some quilting thing.

APRIL MEETING FEATURED CULTIVATION OF OUTDOOR CACTI Don Campbell presented his newest Power Point/Keynote presentation on gardening with cold-hardy and xeric plants. The presentation included extraordinary photos of blooming cacti and

succulents and excellent suggestions for creating rock gardens.

After the presentation, the members participated in an outdoor plant exchange, plant drawings and delicious refreshments courtesy of Tom Burrows! For those members who were unable to attend Don’s presentation, look on pages 10 & 11 for helpful diagrams and tips for creating rock gardens and walls.

Succulent MorselsNews of the Chinle Cactus & Succulent Society

May 2012 Vol. 4, No. 5

Don reviews the silent auction & drawing plants.

First slide in Don’s presentation.

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MEMBERS TREATED TO A

WESTERN S. AFRICAN CAPE VACATION!

Complete with tea (but no crumpets), Trevor and Sue Wray shared an hour of their travels with the Chinle C&SS on Friday, April 20th. Open to the public, there was a good turnout of members and guests who enjoyed the photo travelogue of not only the South African Cape region, but several botanical gardens and nurseries in South Africa.

Trevor entertained the group with photos and descriptions of his great love, plants; but also addressed Sue’s great love, the various animals in the region (monkeys, giraffes, snakes, lions, cheetahs, and more)!

The next day, Don Campbell led them on a hike up Old GordonTrail. Both Sue and Trevor are avid photographers and enjoyed the blooming cacti (few that there were) and animal life on the trail. Trevor took more than 50 photos of the green collared lizard on the hike, taking advantage of the lizard’s predilection to “pose”.

Trevor and Sue will be in the U.S. a total of 3 weeks, treating themselves to Motel 6 and Subway sandwiches during their stay, which they consider a treat! From Grand Junction, they plan to travel west to visit the National Parks and lovely botanical gardens the West has to offer before returning to the UK.

Speaker Trevor Wray & wife, Sue.

Members & the Wrays enjoyed pizza before the meeting.

Don introduces the speaker to the large turnout.

Shooting one of many lizard pix

Dual lizards “smiled” for Don Campbell’s shot of them!

Above, along Old Gordon Trail. Below, snapping photos of the Devil’s Kitchen.

(Hike Photos by Don Campbell)

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With spring comes an increase in bugs and insects. Here’s a good article from Don Campbell with advice about taking care of those “nasty little critters!”

“SOLUTIONS” FOR MEALY BUGS & COCHINEAL INSECTS

by Don Campbell

Mealy bugs and cochineal insects--what do they have in common? They’re both nasty little cousins belonging to the Scale Crime Family. They sneak up on defenseless unsuspecting hosts, steal their vital juices, disfigure their bodies and, left un-arrested, eventually murder their victim. Much has been written about these unsavory characters. Anyone interested in learning more about mealy bugs and cochineal insects can easily do so by going to the library or doing a web search.

Mealy bugs on my indoor plants have caused me a great deal of anguish over the years. More recently, however, I’ve been able to keep them pretty well in check. I’m currently using a two-pronged approach for controlling these little buggers.

I keep a one-quart hand sprayer full of a nontoxic mixture consisting of 1 part alcohol, 1 part 409 All-Purpose Cleaner (other cleaning products may also work), and 6 parts water. When I see evidence of a mealy, I immediately squirt the intruder and continue doing this every few days until they dry up and die. Some plants may be suitable for using a relatively high pressure plain water spray to wash at least some of the offenders off the plant. This mixture seems to be similar to the horticultural soaps and sprays.

I’ve also found the systemic insecticide, imidacloprid, to be quite effective. “Marathon” is a dry granular product containing imidacloprid made by the Olympic Horticultural Products Co. These granules are spread on top of the soil in the pot and watered in. This product requires measuring a specified amount of chemical depending on pot size and is quite time consuming. It does seem to be effective however.

My preferred treatment for controlling mealys on indoor plants is “Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub” formula. The active ingredient in this concentrated liquid is also imidacloprid. It’s made by Bayer CropScience LP and is available at most garden centers in handy quart-sized containers. After conferring with our Extension Entomologist, I’ve settled on adding one ounce of this concentrate to a gallon of water and drenching each pot every few months. Since starting this presentative/control regime, the only mealys I’ve seen in my sunroom arrived on newly acquired plants. This is when I quickly grab the hand sprayer and give them a dose of the alcohol/409 mix followed by some of the dry granular imidacloprid.

Cochineal insect infections on various Opuntias (prickly pears) are a real problem in our outdoor gardens. I’ve had limited success using various contact insect sprays. Spraying the infected plants with a relatively high pressure water spray can removed some the visible insects but doesn’t seem to affect those hiding on the bottom of the pads and down at the ground line. Some prickly pears have become so heavily infested that severe pruning or removing the plant completely has been necessary.

Cochineal bugs

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One of the more promising treatments for cochineal infested Opuntias seems to be the “Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub” formula. In consultation with our local Extension Entomologist, we’ve begun using the one ounce per gallon of water mixture on the prickly pears. It’s probably a good idea to use a high pressure plain water spray to remove as much of the cochineal as possible prior to sprinkling with the systemic insecticide. Use a bit of caution with the high pressure spray because buds, new growth and loosely attached pads are easily broken off of some plants. If you have only a few plants, this mixture may be most easily applied using a hand watering can. Enough of the mixture is sprinkle around the base of the plant to wet the soil. I’m currently using the same application rate with a hose-end sprayer. This approach is less time-consuming, especially in our larger gardens.

ANNUAL CHINLE GARDEN TOUR& PICNIC PLANNED FOR JUNE 14TH Keep your eyes open for emails regarding the upcoming Garden Tour in June. Pam Johnson, Coordinator, promises that it will be spectacular and feature beautiful gardens in the Montrose/Ridgway area. She is putting the itinerary together even as this newsletter goes to press, and will be featured in the June edition!

Saguaros in the Grand Valley? A friend in Green Valley, AZ sent Don Campbell an article from the Arizona Daily Star in Tucson, AZ dated April 20, 2012. The article is titled: "Saguaros, emblems of the desert, now claim higher ground"

The article notes that Saguaros are beginning to move upward in elevation and some are currently surviving at elevations approaching 5,000 feet. Scientists studying the Saguaro cactus suspect widespread warming trends during winter and spring, decreased frequency of freezing temperatures, lengthening of the freeze-free season, and increased minimum temperatures are likely the cause of this upward migration of the Saguaros.

The Arizona Daily Star stated that a 2005 report prepared by the Institute of the Environment at the University of Arizona noted that global warming is expected to continue at faster rates throughout the 21st century and that the overall boundary of the Sonoran Desert may be expected to expand northward, eastward and upward in elevation.

How long can it be before we find Saguaros moving into the Grand Valley?

VIDEO OVERVIEW OF COLORADO C&SSSHOW & SALE IN MARCH 2012

Keith Woesterhoff sent us this link for a slide show video with music for the entire Show & Sale event in Denver. It's really nice. You can view it at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIVDvY5DObs&context=C4213d7cADvjVQa1PpcFPXlqkFjqShQJ9toGXlwCgO32FLzZNu9Ks=If the above doesn't work, try: http://youtu.be/LIVDvY5DObs

Photo (sans Saguaro) by D. Kennedy

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APRIL PARTIES OF THE2012 GARDENING SEASON

Gardeners at the April 21st Garden Party at the WC Botanical Garden shown above included Bill Hassell, Loren Benoit, Maryann Benoit, Deb Mallory, Glenn Mallory, Kay Klausmeier, Jack Neckels, and Bob Bubel.

On the left, two Agave at the CSU Extension garden show promises of spectacular blooms in the near future.

On the right, an Agave parrii is already producing large blooms at the WCBG.

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Gardeners at the April 25th Garden Party at the CSU Extension garden shown below were Maryann and Loren Benoit, Tom Burrows, Don Campbell, Lynn Dunham and Janet and Bill Hassell. Lots of weeds, a gazillion gazinnias, dead plants and winter debris kept everyone busy!

What’s Blooming Outdoors in GJ?The outdoor gardens are beginning to perform with brightly colored cacti & succulents.

(L) Early blooming Mesembs, purple Aloinopsis, & yellow Charmatophyllum musculinum. CSU garden 4-16/12.

Photo by Don Campbell,

An early season, western Colorado native, Townsendia incana, brightened the CSU garden, 4-16-12. Photo by Don Campbell

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First blooms of the year around April 15th in J. Hassell’s garden. The pediocactus on the right was found on the Colorado Mesa at approximately 6000-7000 feet elevation and moved to its new home last summer. It is 4-1/2 inches in diam. and survived the winter. The pedio on the left is smaller and was a gift from a friend in Glade Park, CO., also planted last summer.

Obregonia denegrii - 4/12

BLOOMING & PHOTOGRAPHED BY DON CAMPBELL IN HIS GREENHOUSE IN APRIL 2012

Ariocarpus fissuratus - 4/12

Strombocactus disciformis - 4/12 Astrophytum asterias - 4/12

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WELCOME, NEW MEMBERS! We are pleased to introduce several new members who have joined the Chinle C&SS since the beginning of the year! Welcome to Robyn Wischmann, Allen and Rita Johnston, Martin Pitts, Vicki Ensign, Glenn & Deb Mallory, Kathy Murdock, and Keith Woestehoff. We look forward to their enjoying and learning about cacti and other succulents as well as their participating in the many activities sponsored by the Society.

Above (L), Don Campbell shares his photo of “Rechsteineria leucotricha”, synonym: ‘Sinningia leucotricha’, which has several common names includng ‘Brazilian Edelweiss’ and ‘Queen of the Abyss’. Don’s preferred common name is ‘Puppy Ears’. He says he first latched onto this fascinating plant (along with its common name) way back in the days when Crump Greenhouse was a regular vendor at the CCSS Show & Sale in Denver. ‘Puppy Ears’ neatly describes the soft cuddly hairy leaves of this delightful little plant.

Above (R), Keith Woestehoff shares his photo of his recent acquisition at the Colorado C&SS Show in March 2012. He says this Echinocereus hybrid is one of the loveliest he has ever owned.

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PLANT-SPOTTING IN GRAND JUNCTION & DELTA, CO Photos & text by Don Campbell

On Monday, April 23, Don and Carol Campbell accompanied by Chinle member Kathleen McGinley had a delightful, albeit somewhat warm, afternoon of plant spotting at several locations between Grand Junction and Delta.

Kathleen photographing the diminutive Cryptantha paradoxa just north of Delta.

‘Paradox Valley Crypthantha’ Cryptantha paradoxa, This tiny plant is usually less than 4 inches tall with

very hairy leaves. The trumpet-shaped white flowers have yellow

prominences near the center.

Colorado Hookless Cactus Sclerocactus glaucus

Kannah Creek

Globe Mallow - Spaeralcea sp.Kannah Creek

Sego lily - Calochortus gunnisoniiKannah Creek

Claret-cup Hedgehog CactusEchinocereus triglochidiatus

Kannah Creek

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From Don’s powerpoint presentation, some suggestions for creating rock gardens with your outdoor-hardy

cacti and succulents.(Found in “A Rock Garden Handbook for Beginners”, The Rock Garden Society)

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CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTSMAY-AUGUST 2012

MAY 5 BLOOMIN’ DEALS - WC BOTANICAL GARDENS - 8AM TO 4 PM

MAY 7 Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10 am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO

MAY 10 Regular Meeting of the Chinle C&SS Program: “A Scientific View of Cactus & Succulents” Presenter: Albert LaSalle, Retired Botany Educator 6:30 pm - Sagebrush Room, Mesa County Fairgrounds

MAY 12 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 9 am

MAY 10-15 Capitol Reef Weekend Tour & Cacti Hunt - Pam Johnson & Dave McCullough, Coordinators CONTACT PAM OR DAVE IF YOU PLAN TO ACCOMPANY THEM!

MAY 23 WEDNESDAY GARDEN PARTY - CSU Extension Garden - 9 am

JUNE 2 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 8 am

JUNE 4 Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10 am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO

JUNE 13 WEDNESDAY GARDEN PARTY - CSU Extension Garden - 9 am

JUNE 23 ANNUAL CHINLE GARDEN TOUR & PICNIC (replaces June regular meeting)

JUNE 30 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 8 am

JULY ? Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10 am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO

JULY 12 Regular Meeting of the Chinle C&SS Program: Yucca--the Anasazi Shopping Mall Presenter: Bobbi Irwin 6:30 pm - Sagebrush Room, Mesa County Fairgrounds

JULY 11 WEDNESDAY GARDEN PARTY - CSU Extension Garden - 8 am

JULY 28 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 8 am

AUG 6 Chinle C&SS Board Meeting - 10am 2666 Summer Hill Ct., GJ, CO

AUG 8 WEDNESDAY GARDEN PARTY - CSU Extension Garden - 8 am

AUG 9 Regular Meeting of the Chinle C&SS Program: TBA Presenter: TBA 6:30 pm - Sagebrush Room, Mesa County Fairgrounds

AUG 25 SATURDAY GARDEN PARTY - WC Botanical Gardens - 8 am

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2012 Chinle Cactus and Succulent Society Board President: Bill Hassell Secretary/Web Master: Tom Burrows Treasurer: Loren Benoit 970–263–0910 970–462–6767 970–254–7471

Vice President: Lynn Dunham Member at Large: Judy McCart Newsletter Ed: Janet Hassell 970–243–1822 970–623–9279 970–263–0910

Garden Committee: Maryann Benoit 970–254–7471

Chinle Cactus and Succulent Society usually meets the 2nd Thursday of each month at 6:30 pm.Meetings are held in the Sagebrush Room at the Grand Junction Fair Grounds. Guests are always welcome.

CHINLE C&SS WEBSITE: www.chinlecactusclub.org CSU WEBSITE LINK: http://www.coopext.colostate.edu/TRA/PLANTS/chinlecactus.shtml

Copiapoa barquetensis - photo: D. Campbell

(L) & (R) Ceropegia ardmandii Here’s a bizarre little vining plant that is so ugly only it’s mother and certain small pollinating flies find it attractive! Photos by D. Campbell