Folklore And History Of Herbs

Storrowton Village master gardeners will share history and folklore of herbs in "Aunt Helen's Herb Garden" on Thursday, July 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Storrowton Village (inside the Eastern States Exposition/The Big E grounds), West Springfield, Mass.

Demonstrations using herbs in a variety of applications and details about the various stages of the garden's evolution since it was created in 1935. Admission and parking, free. For more information call (413) 205-5051.

The re-creation of this 19th century village consists of nine historical buildings assembled around a traditional green. Antique buildings were purchased from Massachusetts and New Hampshire locations, then dismantled and reconstructed.

Connecticut Cactus & Succulent Plant Show

Life is diverse and takes on so many forms.

The annual Connecticut Cactus & Succulent Society show displayed amazing varieties of plants, offered workshop and lectures and in general, was just inspiring to attend. Held at Naugatuck Valley Community College's art and music center in Waterbury, the room was filled with browsers and buyers.

Lauray of Salisbury had a table full of unusual plants. Judy Becker of Lauray's specializes in cacti and succulents, begonias, gesneriads, and orchids.

John Spain of Middlebury grows winter hardy cacti, and had a table full of robust specimens. Spain, a founder and the first president of the Connecticut Cactus and Succulent Society, as well as a member of the Cactus and Succulent Society of America, discussed cultivation of these type of cactus with visitors.

Society members meet at botanical gardens, nature centers, nurseries and garden centers, and private homes throughout the year. Meetings are held on the first Sunday of each month (except holidays) throughout the year (except January). Frank Zapatka is president of the group.

For detailed information (membership is open to those interested), see http://ctcactusclub.com/index.htm. For more about members and links to their sites, see this link.