Meeting Location: Desert Botanical Garden – Dorrance Hall
Meeting Time: 2:00 p.m
Presenter: Jeff Moore
Jeff Moore has owned and operated Solana Succulents since 1992. Solana Succulents is a small retail specialty nursery that carries rare and unusual succulents along with more common and colorful ones. The book “Agaves” is Jeff’s fifth self-published book about succulents.
Presentation: Agaves
The book Agaves – Species, Hybrids and Cultivars takes a deep dive into the world of agaves, both cultivated and in their native habitat. Co-authored with agave expert Jeremy Spath, this 350+ page book offers over 2000 images and informative information about these stunningly beautiful and architectural plants. Cultivars and hybrids are shown and discusses as well as the majority of species.
The presentation follows the flow of the book, with most of the powerpoint images from the book itself. The majority of the species are covered, with images both in habitat (when possible) and in cultivation. There is also a chapter on established and new hybrids, as well as the relatively new phenomenon of mangaves. The presentation will show examples of agaves in the landscape as well as those suitable for container culture, discusses pests/diseases as well as propagation. Although the emphasis is on agaves as ornamentals, Jeff will take a look at the history of agaves as commercial plants, for fiber, food, and of course the genus’ most well known byproduct – tequila and mescal. From an ornamental perspective, there are some beautiful detailed images of agave spines and imprinting, as well as some of the more impressive variegated and collector forms.
Most of the images were taken by the authors, but we also have included many beautiful photos from contributors such as Bryan Kemble, Jeff Chemnick, Tony Krock, and other knowledgeable enthusiasts.
From top to bottom:
- Book cover of Agaves – Species, Hybrids and Cultivars
- Agave ovatifolia in bloom in Del Mar, California.
- Agave sebastiana
