Weekend to focus on the world of cacti and succulents

​​​​At the first event on Saturday, July 5, members of the British Cactus and Succulent Society (BCSS) will give growing tips, show and sell plants, and give away seed-growing kits to children.

The show is being organised by the Hastings and Rother Valley branch and the Brighton and Hove branch of the BCSS. It will run alongside the greenhouse’s regular plant sale at the site off St Helens Road, with extended opening hours from 10.30am to 3pm. Admission is free.

Then on Sunday, July 6, expert Alan Bromley will give a talk at the greenhouse called Growing Cacti from 10am to 11am. He will be sharing growing advice and fascinating facts about cacti and succulents. Pay what you can, but the suggested donation is £5 via the Eventbrite website.

Mr Bromley, secretary of the Hastings and Rother Valley branch, is also available for talks at gardening clubs and horticultural societies.

He said the hobby was perfect for beginners and enthusiasts alike. He added: “There are a great variety of forms and you can easily get hooked.

“I will try to bring some unusual plants; ones that are easy to grow and varieties that you don’t see in garden centres.”

Mr Bromley’s display at the greenhouse will feature some of the smallest and largest plants. He will also have booklets and copies of the BCSS’s quarterly journal, CactusWorld, available.

Stuart Riley, the branch chairman, will sell cacti and succulents from his collection and

greenhouse volunteer, Eddie Weekes, will also display and sell some of his cacti and succulents during Saturday’s event.

The Hastings and Rother Valley branch, which has 36 members, meets on the second Thursday every month at 7.30pm in Sedlescombe Village Hall. More details via email: [email protected]

Anyone interested in joining can attend the branch meetings free. Annual membership costs £20 for adults, £17 for senior citizens, and £5 for youngsters under the age of 18.