Senecio haworthii (Cacoon Plant)

Not that rare, but that doesn't really matter, does it? (It is considered threatened in it South African habitat.) We collect plants because we enjoy being in the company of that particular plant, and sometimes just because the form of the plant catches our fancy. That's certainly the case with this plant, which we've grown for about 40 years, just because it is what it is. No other reason needed.

Spines of the Golden Barrel

Now those are spines!

Echeveria agavoides

Deservedly popular and easy to grow as well.

Oreocereus leucotrichus spines

This plant has been raised with a number of different names during our lifetimes. And the "spines" I'm referring to are the white hairs of this splendid old man cactus. Needs to be kept dry during the cold period of the year (Anything below 45F should be provided some warmth.)

Lithops dorotheae

I was out in the greenhouse today with my camera at hand and I just had to share this image of Lithops dorotheae in flower. Such an amazing plant.
We've been having some nasty weather over the last few days - heavy rains and gusty winds, but it's calmed down now, and the heavy rains appear to be over. But along with that, the night-time temperatures are dropping down into the low 40s F (about 4.5 C), which means we'll have to start heating the greenhouses.  Enjoy your plants!

Haworthia gracilis var. tenera

Another beauty that doesn't take up a lot of space in your collection but provides rewards larger than its size.

Echeveria globulosa

Another very small-growing echeveria jewel.

Haworthia pulchella var. globifera PVB7338

A very nice small-growing haworthia, grown from seed from Towsberg, South Africa.

Aloe 'Christmas Carol'

As far as I'm concerned this is one of the most outstanding Aloe cultivars produced in recent years. Wow!

Gallery Listing for Lynn-Marie Kara

For those who are interested, my wife Lynn-Marie's art works are now represented by Xanadu Gallery out of Scottsdale, Arizona. You can see a continually changing collection of her works at their website: http://www.xanadugallery.com/2013/Artists/ArtistPage.php?ArtistID=5729. You can copy and paste this url address in your browser or use the link above.

Succulents at dusk

It was a little late in the day when Lynn-Marie took these photos...Lapidaria margaretae and Lithops dorotheae.
Our weather is quite dry and warm for this time of year - 80 Fahrenheit for several days in a row, and the nights are in the mid 50s.

Echeveria 'Frilly Maid'

Local notice - non-succulent

For those of you in the Portland area and are interested, most of you know that  - other than succulent plants - my other vocation has been as a United Methodist clergy - now retired. However, I'm still asked to preach on occasion, and this coming Sunday (Oct. 5) I'll be preaching at Northminster Presbyterian Church in North Portland (10:00 a.m.). You're more than welcome to come and visit.