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"Unusual Agaves, Aloes, and Yuccas"
Presented by Chad Davis - Curator of Agavaceae, Aloaceae, & Nolinaceae at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ
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 Agaves, aloes, and yuccas are fascinating plants that feature bold forms, as well as dramatic colors and textures for our hot desert landscapes. The vast array of sizes, colors and forms makes them useful both as accents and specimen plantings. This presentation will focus on some spectacular, yet underused, agaves and yuccas, as well as durable aloes that can tolerate our climatic extremes. We will discuss preferred site selection, maintenance practices, potential cultural problems and pest of these amazing plant groups. Special attention will be given to large arborescent species of aloes and yuccas.
Chad has been with the Desert Botanical Garden since 2002. Prior to his promotion to Curator of Agavaceae, Aloaceae, & Nolinaceae in 2003, Chad served in the Security Department as a Ranger at the Garden.
As the Curator of Agavaceae, Aloaceae, & Nolinaceae, Chad curates and maintains three primary plant collections in the Garden. This entails tracking of collections, acquisition and propagation of suitable plant material, designing and planting of garden displays and serving on internal Garden committees. He regularly works with volunteer groups, has obtained and maintains a Certified Pesticide Applicator License, as well as teaching in the Garden's Desert Landscaper School. Chad has designed and installed the Arizona Agave Beds, expanded the Aloe Collection/displays in the Garden, coordinated the installation of the Succulent Gallery and the new Berlin Agave & Yucca Forrest. He has given numerous presentations to environmental groups and garden clubs such as the Arizona Native Plant Society, Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society and McDowell Park Association, as well as leading a workshop during the Cactus and Succulent Society of America National Convention. He is a regular contributor to the Garden's Sonoran Quarterly and has appeared on local and nationwide television shows.
Chad received an Associates of Applied Science in Urban Horticulture from Mesa Community College and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies (BIS) degree combining the disciplines of Landscape Architecture and Urban Horticulture at Arizona State University.
Please make sure you attend this excellent program and welcome Chad as our guest speaker! This will be a great opportunity for every member. Please join us, bring a friend and come enjoy your evening!
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Free Plant Giveaway
Gymnocalycium asterium
Gymnocalycium asterium has a low brown stem, short semi-erect brown spines, and whitish/pink flowers. Give ample airflow, bright filtered light, and protect from frost. Gymnocalycium is a genus of about 70 South American species. Their main area of distribution is Argentine, part of Uruguay, Paraguay, southern Bolivia and part of Brasil. Most species are globose, rather small varying from 1.5 to 6 inches in size (4 cm to 15 cm). They are popular for their easy flowering habits, although the flowers are generally brightly colored. They are also popular for their ease to care for. The genus name "gymnocalycium" comes from the Greek for "naked calyx" referring to the flower buds bearing no hair or spines.
August Refreshments
Those with family names beginning with N, O, P, Q, R, S, and T please bring your choice of refreshments to the meeting. Your generous sharing will be greatly appreciated and enjoyed!
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