CSUN-al Gardening: Splendid Succulents

Succulent plants have thickened (hence the nickname "fat plants") parts (leaves, stems, roots) that store water and energy for use during dry seasons. Occurring in many diverse plant groups such as agaves, cacti, sedums, echeverias, and tradescantias, this survival technique also makes succulents highly suitable for people who forget to water their plants. On Saturday, September 24th, from 9-11 a.m., succulent enthusiast Sandy Masuo will take us on a visual tour of her favorite succulents and share her approach to growing the most popular varieties.

As a bonus, following the lecture, Ms. Masuo will demonstrate how to design and assemble an eye-catching succulent container. Attendees are welcome to bring a small (8" or less in diameter) container to class, ready to be filled with potting medium and succulent cuttings. This part of the class will take place outdoors in the Botanic Garden, so be prepared for hands-on activity in sunny/hot weather – gloves and a brimmed hat are recommended. In order to gauge the quantity of soil and cuttings needed, when you send in your request to attend the class, please indicate whether you will participate in this hands-on portion of the class.

Ms. Masuo is a self-described "plant nerd" whose passion for gardening has led her to the Theodore Payne Foundation for Wildflowers where she is a docent, the Southern CA Horticultural Society where she has served on the Board of Directors, and Glendale Community College where she teaches an ever-popular Succulent Centerpiece class. She is associate editor in the Los Angeles Zoo Publications Division and finds time to edit the Association of Zoological Horticulture newsletter, as well as manage the SCHS Facebook page. Her professional writings have appeared in the LA Times, the San Francisco Bay Guardian, and Rolling Stone magazine. She also penned the foreword to her alter ego, Rosana DuMas', newly-published mystery novel, Unnatural Selection: Lessons of Life and Death on the Paper Trail.

Registration for the free class is required. Please E-mail to request a space in the class or for more information. Driving and parking instructions, as well as the class meeting location, will be sent upon registration.