I have been very lucky over the last few years (thanks in large part to Woody Minnich--Cactus guru extraordinaire) to gain access and befriend many of the great nurseries of Southern California. I first met Peter Walkowiak and Inacia Matteus several years ago when I spoke to the San Diego chapter of the Cactus and Succulent Society: I was charmed by the hilltop setting of their home and nursery--and blown away by the plants in their collections and the superb plants Peter propagates to sell. The light was perfect for photography during my last stay at their home at the end of February and I took many pictures, most of which are below (and which are largely self-explanatory). They are mostly of Peter's vast collection of superbly grown and exhibited plants: I don't think there's a public garden in America that has better collections of both cacti and other succulents--grown to such large sizes and looking so healthy. Do linger a bit over these and realize that each of these thousands of plants has a history--botanical and personal...
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| The Ariocarpus were to die for! |
I'm not going to even try to name names: a few faves may pop out now and again. If you're desperate to know--just go to any of the dozens of shows staged throughout the US by CSSA groups: they're all superb. And Peter exhibits in many (as well as having his garden and nursery on tour regularly)...
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| Mounds this size do not grow overnight... |
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I was especially pleased to see this terrific mounded
Echinocereus trig. 'Inermis' which is endemic to Western Colorado (and perhaps a short ways into Utah)...
Just one small part of the production area: Peter only grows what others don't. They're all the best....
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| Aloinopsis malherbei |
I love this picture with both of them absorbed, and the blooming euphorbs!
One of the seedframes brimming with new treasures!
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| A whopper of Sinningia leucotricha |
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| With a smart phone for scale |
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| Avonia quinaria subs. alstonii |
I still want to call these Anacampseros. Not only are they great specimens, but the pots they're in are perfect.
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| You didn't see this one! |
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| The euphorbias are out of this world, |
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| One of the biggest Geraniaceae ever! And I'm not talking about Inacia! |
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| I never dreamed the Medusoid euphorbias could be so variable before meeting Peter. |
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| Wrong setting to catch the hummingbird |
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| Peter putting plants back from after a meeting of the Palomar club |
In addition to being the ultimate connoisseurs of growing, showing succulents, Peter and Inacia are deeply involved in their communities: Peter has been a leader in two of the largest Cactus clubs in the very epicenter of the art of growing these. He has volunteered at the San Diego Zoo's amazing Safari Park (I think their botanical exhibits are more interesting than the animals!). And he is a designer who's worked with many local gardeners creating exquisite gardens. Inacia loves the succulents and has her own collection, and has many other interests including being self described "Diva" of the local running clubs. I feel privileged to call these two my friends.
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