Lophocereus schottii monstrose "Totem Pole"

One thing almost all visitors comment on when here in Portland is that everything is so green. If you've seen the TV program "Grimm" (filmed here in Portland) you know what we mean. Even the trees are covered in moss green. So I suppose that these Totem Poles are still getting over the shock of blending in so well with the background. Natives of Baja, things are a little drier there. But they adapt well, at least during the warmer days of summer. During our wet and gray winters, they're in the greenhouse and are kept away from the water. We kept three in an unheated shelter last winter and they came through fine...but it was a mild winter.

Succulent Travels 2010

OK. I've gotten some sleep. Not enough, but one full night. As I can, I'll post a few photos from the trip - as well a few of flowers making a show now.

 This is the back of our van about half way through the trip. We added more later! I didn't always remember to take pictures, so things will be a little sketchy. The first place we stopped in Tucson, Arizona was Bach's on the north side of Tucson. They have a very nice retail house and a vast area of wholesale plants. Dan Bach received a significant award at this past year's CSSA Convention for the contributions he has made to the hobby.

One of the plants he produces in the wholesale department is the Totem Pole Cactus (Lophocereus schottii 'monstrose'). Quite a sight.

More later. Enjoy!