Cactus & Succulent Conference

Cactus and Succulent Conference Coming to Kansas City in June

After a two-year delay forced by the pandemic, the 17th biennial Mid-States Cactus and Succulent Conference will occur this June 9 – 12 in Independence, Missouri. This conference moves among various cities in the Midwest where it is hosted by a Cactus and Succulent Society of America affiliate club. It takes place on alternate years to the CSSA national convention. The last time the Mid-States Conference came to the Kansas City area was 10 years ago, so it is a rare opportunity for local residents, and a great way for travelers to combine their love of cacti and succulents with visiting Kansas City and Independence, which are both places that have a lot of attractions to offer visitors.

This spring’s conference is being hosted by the non-profit Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society, which has been a part of the region’s gardening scene for over 40 years. Many area residents are already familiar with this club’s sales and shows. Like gardeners eager for the return of spring, the KCCSS has been busy preparing for this inperson event after the long winter of the pandemic. Neighboring MidIowa and River City Cactus and Succulent Societies in Des Moines and Omaha are also lending a hand to make the first Mid-States Conference in four years a fun weekend for everyone.

Eight well-known experts in the field will give presentations throughout the weekend to Conference registrants. These entertaining speakers will cover a variety of topics Friday through Sunday morning with something for everyone – from particular plant families to exotic habitats, from growing techniques to classification taxonomy.

Additionally, eight plant and artisan pottery vendors will provide a sale that is open to the public with no charge for admission Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Shoppers can expect unusual plants not typically seen at big box nurseries. A raffle for early admission to the sale is always a popular activity among conferencegoers. Early June is a good time to buy and transplant most cacti and succulents. Of course, there is variety among different types of plants regarding their care, with summer growers requiring different watering, feeding, and lighting throughout the year than winter growers. Fortunately, novices and seasoned collectors alike have the benefit of talking directly to the growers and Cactus and Succulent Society members.

All Conference activities and the public sale will take place at the Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center in Independence with the exception of a field trip to a Society member’s outdoor hardy cactus and succulent garden. Conference attendees look forward to plenty of socializing with like-minded aficionados at an opening reception, banquet, rare plant auction, and silent auction. Many out-of-town attendees are expected, and the host Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center is offering a special room rate for those who want to stay close to the action.

Those interested in the registering for the Conference or just attending the sale can find out more information at the Kansas City Cactus and Succulent Society’s website: kccactus.com. This website has a printable, mail-in registration form for the Conference with individual day, banquet, and full conference options. KCCSS members are looking forward to seeing their old friends and making new ones from across the Midwest and around the country.

Photo courtesy of Judy Pigue.

Judy Pigue’s hardy cactus and succulent garden will be the Conference field trip. Conference sponsor, the KCCSS, install the Cactus & Succulent Educational Garden at Loose Park.

Club member’s snapshot from Conference speaker Guillermo Rivera’s guided tour of Argentina.