The Voice Box

‘Mora y Bravard’ Casarabonela Cactus and other Succulent Plant Botanical Garden Casarabonela Cactus and other Succulent Plant Botanical Garden ‘Mora y Bravard’ is located in the province of Malaga (southern Spain), in the white village of Casarabonela.  It hosts a comprehensive collection of succulents and is certainly worth a visit. I had the pleasure of visiting last weekend, and was very impressed with superb garden.  I was also moved by the kindness, and the hospitality of the staff. Winston

Pereskia are some of my favourite plants. They hold an important place in my succulent collection in my London home.  At first glance, you would never guess that they belong to the Cactaceae group. But closer inspection will reveal some similarities, especially areoles and spines. Altogether there are around seventeen species, all needing a warm tropical climate to grow vigorously, and survive. The Pereskia grandiflora is easily the most common, and regularly makes an appearance in botanical gardens. They will grow from a seed or cutting, and may produce blooms after two or three seasons. In tropical habitats, they are better off in the ground. But be careful, because they can easily grow in to trees, more than three metres tall. Winston

The last time I visited Chicago must have been around ten years ago. I was passing through on my way to New Orleans. I spent most of the afternoon looking around, and left by train later that evening. I vowed that I would make a visit sometime later. The visit last weekend was as planned, but in many ways it was very different. I arrived to find a city preoccupied with the staging of a NATO meeting, and the demonstrations which were planned.. The trappings were unexpected, lots of talk of security, lots of police everywhere, and sometimes unnecessary closures of streets, and buildings. Yet the locals seem to take with candour, even though they were inconvenienced somehow. Most pointed fingers at the new Mayor, suggesting he was simply flexing his muscles. Others were convinced that the security was probably needed. I wasn’t convinced; since I witnessed almost no demonstrations or threatening disruptions. My big disappointment was on Sunday when I arrived at the

It is that time again for a visit to Miami.  And even if  it just for four days, the short break would still be enjoyable.  The targeted holiday was the time before this,  in Trinidad visiting family.  This is just extra, and the kind of extras which I usually delight in.  The more leisure time ... the better.                                                                                  This certainly appears to be some homage to the artist                                           Lichtenstein, situated on the grounds of the convention                                           Center.                                          This is certainly a Vriesa, but which one I am not sure.                                           These are the larger varieties of the Bromeliad family,                                           and very spectacular they are indeed.                                          This is nicknamed the Cuban Pettticoat Palm, and  its      

Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México UNAM BOTANICAL GARDEN Having visited Mexico recently, I realised that the University Department of Botany's gardens is just the place to spend a relaxing and informative tour. It is possible to book pre-arranged tours in groups, although I simply did it on my own. http://www.unam.mx An Agave stands supreme while people attend to social activities. Also encouraging at UNAM, was this virgin bit of land illustrating the natural layout of the area. A revealing cross-section of the succulent garden Th stylistic Agave vilmoriana showing all its octopus tentacles. It was very nice to view so many different species of Yucca. I grow a few, but non reaching these great sizes.  In the UK, it is much too cold to grow these outdoors, and there is also the abscence of sunlight. I love the silky feel of these Agave salmiana. Mine are still on the very small size, but hopefully I will