March 4, 2020 1243 PM
FAR WEST TEXAS — The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute’s annual fundraising cactus sale begins Monday at 9 a.m., offering cacti large and small on a first-come-first-served basis. The sales event has expanded beyond its usual offering, bringing a restock of cacti this year as the sale expands into a two-week event.
Ocotillo, Queen Victoria agave, golden barrel cacti and many other species arrived at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center for inspection and preparation this February. These plants are among the extensive selection of cacti and succulents offered for sale at the upcoming annual Cactus and Succulent Sale.
This year, CDRI Nature Center is delivering two three-day sales to match the two weeks of spring break recognized by separate “halves” of schools in Texas.
Phase one of the sale kicks off on Monday, March 9, with doors opening at 9 a.m., and continues until Wednesday, March 11, or until all phase one plants are sold.
After a restock, phase two of the sale begins Monday, March 16, and continues until Wednesday, March 18, or until all plants are sold. Doors will open at 9 a.m. The two-phased sale is designed to allow all statewide spring breakers a chance to take advantage of CDRI’s “once-a-year” sale.
The cacti species are all native to the Chihuahuan Desert. They were carefully sourced through growers in Arizona, New Mexico and Central Texas. Following years of protocol, each plant is thoroughly inspected by Head Gardener Seth Hamby, prior to being repotted using his special cactus-mix soil and then finished with a sprinkle of decorative gravel as top dressing.
CDRI took note of the strong demand for the larger, attractively priced, cacti and succulents, so they continue to focus on sourcing large plants in three and five gallon containers, along with an abundant supply of one gallon-sized plants. Striving to have something for everyone, they also feature many beautiful, tiny cacti and succulents in miniature sizes. Prices will range from $4 to $70.
The sale will take place on the porch of the Powell Visitor Center with CDRI’s knowledgeable team ready to assist shoppers with their selections.
While visiting the Nature Center, be sure to stop inside and visit the gift shop, which offers a selection of nature-themed books, sotol walking sticks, prickly pear syrup and jelly, CDRI logo items including terracotta flower pot mugs, metal camp mugs, water bottles, t-shirts, totes, bandanas and caps. The gift shop will also have large tinaja stone pots for sale. The tinaja pots are the perfect container for cacti and succulents.
The CDRI Cactus Sale is one of only two yearly CDRI fundraisers, the other being the Cookout & Auction scheduled for August 15, 2020. CDRI invites you to come on out and support the local nature center, while finding that perfect cactus or succulent. The event is at 43869 TX-118, Fort Davis, TX between Fort Davis and Alpine.
