Cacti & Succulents for Cold Climates by Leo J. Chance
November 20, 2014
By Sue Wise
Although the Santa Fe Botanical Garden (SFBG) Library has 27 books on cacti and succulents alone, none appear to be as relevant as this newest addition to our collection. Cacti & Succulents for Cold Climates, by Leo J. Chance, is a great resource for the question: which plants in these groups can survive and even thrive in cold temperatures, high altitudes and drought conditions? Indeed, the author provides information on 274 “outstanding species for challenging conditions.”
In this guide, grower Leo Chance describes the preparation process for planting beds, how to maintain plants over the winter and then care for them over the long term. He includes his own observations, as a professional grower and member of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, as well as tips from regional experts who have grown cacti in unexpected parts of the country not normally associated with cacti environments.
The book is written in a reader-friendly format with a logical approach to expanding one’s cactus gardening. Some of the author’s chapter headings include, understanding hardiness, how and where to plant, the right way to water and propagating from cuttings. He breaks down the cactus headings by discussing chollas, prickly pears, and barrels, balls, hedgehogs and pincushions, as well as lovable oddballs. In addition to several sections on succulents, he provides suggestions for companion plants such as wildflowers, shrubs and grasses. The colorful photos provide a chance for the reader to select plants for gardens or identify ones for further study.
Cacti & Succulents for Cold Climates (Timber Press, 2012) has 328 pages and can be purchased for $39.95 (members receive a 10% discount!) in the Visitors Center or borrowed from the SFBG Library.
