The Lithops seedlings are doing well.  I can now see most of them without using the magnifying glass.  One batch of seed has shown no sign of germination.  I shall let them dry out and try again in a few months time.  Last year’s seedlings are shedding their old bodies and are growing quickly.  They will soon be ready to transplant from their seed trays into individual pots.   Before I undertake this job I will have to find good homes for some surplus plants and free some shelf space.

           Some of the choice small growing Mammillaria (denudata, lasiacantha, magellanii, roseocentra etc.) are flowering and lots more cacti are budding up.  Mammillaria laui dasyacantha has more buds than ever this year and should be a real joy in another week or two.  Hatiora salicornoides, one of the rain forest cacti, is covered with its yellow buds.  This one needs watering all the year around; otherwise it drops its branches to conserve moisture. All my plants have now been watered at least once, and most are well into growth.  I have started repotting but this is a neverending job. 

           Some of my Echevaria that spent last summer out of doors and were over wintered, bare rooted, in a cold greenhouse, have now been once more planted on a well-drained rockery out of doors.  I have also planted out a couple of Aeonium in a sheltered spot.  The Aeonium in particular could be cut back by frost if we have another cold spell, but I have so many spares that I am prepared to take the chance. If we don’t get the cold spell the plants will become well established early and should grow well. The weather forecasters are warning that we may be short of water this summer. Succulents can look more interesting and as colourful as annual bedding plants and if they are planted into the garden soil wont need any watering at all once they are established. 

 Zone 9 Convention.

          Tickets for the Convention are selling well but I still have some available. They are really good value at £10 each for coffee, lunch and tea and three excellent speakers.  We are running the Convention this year so we really need as much support as you can give. Remember the date - !7^th April.