Programs and Presentations

    Several of our members have led discussions, travel logs, given slide presentations and PowerPoint presentations for the Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Society and other area societies. Their programs are mostly on growing cacti and other succulents, or of their travels into regions with a rich succulent flora, but some of our members have an appreciation of the many different plants throughout the world, and some can speak on broader topics - including gardening, growing orchids, and carnivorous plants to name a few.

    I am putting together a listing of some of the programs which our members have given in the past few years in the hopes that it will assist  other societies with ideas and resources in planning their own programs for the year. I would especially be interested in fostering a sort of "program exchange"  between local plant societies, using local experts with experience in growing various types of plants, or who have traveled in regions noted for their unique fauna and flora.

    In time, I also hope to include program notes from speakers from other local plant societies. If you are interested in having your own program added to this listing, contact Bruce Brethauer with information on your program (including title, and format) as well as contact information.

    This project is in its infancy, it is my hope that in the near future, I will have an extensive listing of many speakers and topics, so please visit frequently for the latest additions.

The Central Ohio Cactus and Succulent Society

Bruce Brethauer bbrethau@columbus.rr.com, 614-267-4109

Cactus in the Snow A PowerPoint program to provide basic guidelines on preparing and planting a garden of hardy cacti - selecting cactus species which can tolerate extreme cold and high rainfall. A number of hardy cactus species are discussed and illustrated. Bruce is author of the book Cactus in the Snow; a Guide to Growing Hardy Cacti in the Wet and Frozen North and originally installed the hardy cactus bed at the Franklin Park Conservatory: he has grown and tested approximately 100 cactus species for their hardiness in Central Ohio.

 

Suitable Succulents for the Home and Garden a PowerPoint program which highlights cactus and other succulent plants which are especially easy to grow and well suited for growing indoors (tolerating lower light levels, and which are non-toxic, lack spines, and are especially easy to flower). It also includes plants which are remarkably cold tolerant and are hardy, and recommended for Ohio gardens.

 

    Ants in your Plants a PowerPoint program which explores the many types of plants which have a mutualistic relationship with ants - plants which are naturally adapted to provide nesting sites for ant colonies, which in turn, protect the plants from insect pests, and fertilize the host plant. The program illustrates the remarkable adaptations which plants have made in their leaves, stems, and roots to provide living space for ants. Host plant species include ferns, Orchids, Tillandsias (air plants), Hoyas, Dischidias, and several genera of epiphytic members of the coffee family (Rubiaceae).