Stuff about myself you might not know

Many of you have been following my blog for a long time and know as much (or more) about me than I do myself; I'm not exactly a cryptic species. But if you're relatively new to my blog, there are some things you may not know. 

In its May 2026 newsletter, the Sacramento Cactus and Succulent Society had a feature about yours truly, based on a Q&A format. Nothing earth-shattering here, but I thought I'd repost it in case there are things you didn't know about me.

1. What piqued your interest in cacti/succulents?

My mother had cacti and euphorbias on her windowsills when I was growing up. I got a moon cactus when I was 12. So it seems I’ve been around them forever. As an adult/gardener, my interest really took off when I realized that they make great landscape plants: They’re beautiful, and they need very little care.

2. Role in the club and why.

I’ve been secretary and webmaster for a number of years. These roles play to my strengths. I’m well organized, and I work best behind the scenes.

3. Favorite Cacti/succulent?

Cacti: Echinopsis/Trichocereus hybrids for their incredible flowers. Succulents: agaves and aloes for their architectural qualities and use as landscape plants. I try to put most of my plants in the ground, so that matters.

4. Least favorite caci/succulent or one you’ve killed the most?

Dioscorea elephantipes. I’ve killed more than I can count, either by overwatering or by underwatering. Everybody says they’re easy to grow. Not for me!

5. Favorite local nurseries or gardens to visit?

Hands down the Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, only an hour away. The variety of plants they grow, and the design of the garden itself, that’s been a huge inspiration for me. Plus, their climate is essentially the same as ours, so what does well there will typically do well here.

6. Any other hobbies or interests you want to share?

I love photography, and I write a blog, Succulents and More (succulentsandmore.com). I chronicle the successes and failures in my own garden and write about other gardens and nurseries I visit, here and wherever I happen to travel.

7. Advice for new cacti/succulent enthusiasts?

Grow the plants that get you excited. And if you fail, try again. Killing plants doesn’t mean you’re a bad grower/gardener; plants have a mind of their own. In your garden, don’t stick to rigid rules or listen to what others say. Do what you like. The only person you have to please is yourself. (Look for the book Fearless Gardening by Loree Bohl. It might change your life!)

Creeping devil (Stenocereus eruca)

Link to Loree's blog, danger garden.

© Gerhard Bock, 2026. All rights reserved. To receive all new posts by email, please subscribe here.