The Ventura County Garden Club Celebrates Succulents

By Sheryl Hamlin

If you think this looks like a batch of sweet potato fries, try then look again. It is a succulent called ‘Euphorbia’ whose common name is the ‘Fire Sticks’. According to Gary Blum of Oxnard, seek a fifth generation Oxnardian who specializes in these exotic plants, the firestick can cause skin irritation. Gary suggests dogs or children should not go near this plant.

Euphorbia Firestick

Gary sells thousands of succulents each year

Succulents came to America via South Africa, Mexico and Central America and even Europe.   His business Heritage Succulents is open by appointment only; however during historic week in Oxnard, his house is open along with other historic homes on “F” street.

Gary’s  great-great-grandfather was Justin Petit who owned the Petit House.  In 1991 he relocated it to Heritage Square in Oxnard. Gary said that working on this relocation and renovation engendered his passion for preservation.

Trays of cactus

Succulents open their pores at night and take in moisture which is opposite from most plants. They must not be overwatered or they will rot. Gary brought trays of shoots with roots ready to put in pots which he propagated from other plants. Succulents are easy to propagate but should be dried out a few days before planting to let the cut heal.

Gary spoke for an hour and could have gone on. Garden Club members bought plants to augment or start succulent arrangements.

One member, Maxine Merry, made all of the table arrangements. She chose to comingle succulents with yellow and white roses showing her artistic talents. Gary said that many people do mix succulents and non-succulents in their gardens for variety.

New officers for the 90 year old Ventura County Garden Club were nominated. Shown here are treasurer nominee Celia Reyes and Linda Wilkinson, president nominee.

New Officers

“Devoted to Expanding Knowledge and Promoting Gardening” is a lofty goal. Each month the VCGC presents gardening related programs. The April meeting will be a tour of Ojai Olive Company. With members who live in Santa Paula, Fillmore, Ventura, Saticoy, Ojai and other areas of Ventura, the programs feature places across the county. For information, please visit the website.

============================================================

Sheryl Hamlin: With an MS in Industrial Engineering, Sheryl Hamlin spent years in technology with stints at Motorola, Tandem Computers and various startups. She has been on the boards of neighborhood organizations both in San Francisco and Palm Springs where planning issues were her specialty. She now resides in Santa Paula and loves the historic fabric of the city.  Ms. Hamlin’s blog Stealth Fashion  and  technology product ‘ Plug and Play Webmaster’.

Get Citizensjournal.us Headlines free  SUBSCRIPTION. Keep us publishing – DONATE

*Scroll down to post a comment