Lobivia (Echinopsis) 'Easter Bonnet'

The top photo is of a seed grown plant (Lobivia 'Easter Bonnet' x L. 'Easter Bonnet') which is a cross of two Easter bonnets that Lynn-Marie did. (We usually propagate by offsets rather than seed since seed from hybrids isn't always consistent or stable.) The result is as you see it. Easter Bonnet is always a bit variable in color and the two toned color may also vary. The spines are finer on the hybrid. Interesting.

There are a few other differences as well.

Greenovia flower

We received this plant some years ago with no name but it's clearly a Greenovia. As to which Greenovia we're not quite sure. It hasn't been an area of expertise of extensive experience. If any of you can give me a species name I'd be delighted.

Enjoy your plants!

Rebutia margarethae (=Rebutia padcayensis)

You know it's spring when the Rebutias are all putting out their blooms. This is Rebutia margarethae, which is a synonym of R. padcayensis by most accounting. From Argentina and Bolivia, it freely produces offsets and abundant flowers. An outstanding pot plant.

Portrayal of "She Who Watches" (Tsagaglalal) by Lynn-Marie Kara

Today I'm sharing one of Lynn-Marie's latest works. It's a portrayal of the petroglyph from the Columbia River Gorge known as "She Who Watches" or "Tsagaglalal", a wonderful image from ancient times. The portrayal loses a little in the digital translation, but I think she's caught the power of the image. You can read about the legend here.

The Columbia River Gorge is located to the East of Portland, an absolutely outstanding natural and recreational area. The picture below is looking East, past the Vista House; the petroglyphs are located further to the East. Washington State is on the left; Oregon on the right.

Image via Wikipedia

Enjoy your plants!

Aporocactus 'Beauty'

This is a cutting in a 3 inch pot. Yes, these plants get pretty big and unwieldy, but you don't have to wait that long to get flowers! And since we don't grow Easter Lilies, this will have to do. To all of you who celebrate Easter, Happy Easter!

復活節快樂, Veselé Velikonoce, 행복한 부활절이 되시길, イースターおめでとう, felices Pascuas, paskalya bayramınız kutlu olsun, สุขสันต์วันอีสเตอร์, maligayang pasko ng pagkabuhay, З Великодніми святами, Καλό Πάσχα!

Aichryson tortuosum (Aeonium tortuosum)

This is a plant which is commonly available; it's not exactly rare! Mislabeled, yes; rare, not! But common or not, it's a great little plant. At least we've always liked it. It's easy to grow and makes a nice little addition to succulent bonsai dishes. Give it enough light or it will not look its best and if it begins to droop over...guess what? Give it some water. Though dormant in the summer, it likes to get some water year around.

Haworthia magnifica var. acuminata (type locality)

This is another variety of Haworthia magnifica, variety acuminata. This particular plant is grown from seed originally from Rooinek Pass, the type locality. One of the main differences which characterizes this variety is the longer leaf tips.

Graptopetalum amethystinum

Talk about fat leaves. And the fantastic color that goes with them. Also known as "Lavender Pebbles" or the "Jewel-Leaf Plant", it is from the Sierra Madre Occidental mountains of west-central Mexico and is fairly rare and well worth growing. It can be used as a trailing plant or as a hanging basket (it's native to cliffs).

The flowers are typical Graptopetalum flowers, quite intriguing in their own right. I didn't have a good photo of the flower so I'll include this one from the internet.

Image via Wikipedia

As always, enjoy your plants!