Garden Activities: November 11, 2025

Since it was looking like volunteering at CVBG would be put on hold for a week or two due to the projected rains, we focused on getting some additional plants installed in the garden. The relatively easy part was adding some native yarrow (Achillea millefolium) in the native sections between the 2 entrances, and a hybrid red variety in Lillian’s Meadow. While we were up the hill, we also planted some “chalk sticks” in the senecio genus in the lower end of the S. African Section at the 2nd 4-corners. Bill Dobner was on hand to keep the composting process going.

The rest of the group included: Steve Davis, Beverly Kemmerling, Julie Moffat, Katie Shank, Daryl Stutley, Nancy Taylor Walker, Ann Wright and myself. The challenge for the day was planting a “cutting” of an enormous cactus in the Desert Garden. Katie led the charge up the hill taking the hand cart along the zig zag route to ease the task.

Katie with cactus wrapped in bubble wrap.

The group assembled ready to tackle the job.

Katie, Ann, Beverly, me, Steve, Julie and Daryl

No gender stereotypes here; Beverly, Julie and Katie lifting the cactus out of the cart while I and Steve looked on.

Below is the final outcome of a process which was like a miniature version of the ancient Egyptians erecting an obelisk at Luxor. They had weight and size to contend with; we had thorns and weight. I was told this was a Trichocereus species when I bought it, but I’m not sure.

Below is a picture of the mother plant in my garden from which this piece was taken.

The 2 tallest arms broke off in the wind a few weeks back. One we planted and the other I requested the propagation group to put it in a pot to root. We’ll see which producers the better plant.

This will be it until the paths are considered dry enough to allow volunteer activities to take place without damaging the trails.

When it drys up, enjoy the garden. This rain should be the catalyst that wakes the summer dormant natives.

KMM