The Potting Shed at the Fullerton Arboretum partners with the Orange County Cactus and Succulent Society (OCCSS) in December and July each year to present a huge Cactus and Succulent Sale and Show, featuring hundreds of unusual and hard-to-find cactus and succulents. In 2007 as example, approximately 25 vendors participated in the December event, offering a virtually unlimited selection of cactus and succulents for sale. To support a holiday theme, beautiful living succulent wreaths, handcrafted by the Arboretum’s Potters, plus decorative cactus and succulent dish gardens and plants are usually available for sale. Hours for this special sale and show are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days; admission and parking is free. In 2008, the first summer show will be held in on July 26 & 27.

Cactus and succulent lovers are encouraged each year to visit the Orange County Cactus and Succulent Society Show free of charge, which is hosted at the same time on the grounds of the Arboretum. This show always promises to offer collectors, shoppers and interested visitors everything they ever expected in terms of varieties and species of these unique plant types. Special free discussions with experts are usually planned and typically include diverse topics such as “General Succulent Cultivation”, “Top Plants at Top Shows” and In 2006 a special highlight was the fact Rainbow Garden Booksellers was a featured vendor at the event and had on sale many of their popular selection of books on cactus and succulents.

The Arboretum has been the home of the OCCSS since 1998, and 2008 marks the 4th year this sale has been a collaboration between The Potting Shed and OCCSS. The emphasis of the OCCSS show in 2008 will be on winter/blooming plants that are at their peak during the short days. Shoppers and other guests were encouraged to wander the exhibits, meet with members, ask questions, get growing tips, and purchase plants from the sales area. For additional information about OCCSS or the annual Show, please visit www.OCCSS.org. Check back for more information on this sale in December 2008.

About the OCCSS: The OCCSS is the local affiliate club of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America. The monthly meetings bring together people interested in growing cactus and succulents to share information, growing tips, and exchange plants. Guest speakers describe their world wide travels exploring plants in natural habitats. They also sponsor field trips to places of interest including private and public gardens, local deserts, specialty cactus and succulent nurseries. For additional information and a calendar, visit www.OCCSS.org.