Through the Looking Glass: A Tour of Aloes in Wonderland in Santa Barbara

With Jeff Chemnick
Tuesday, April 19, 2022 – 7:00 pm Pacific Time

NOTE: Members and visitors can attend in person in San Francisco, or watch on Zoom. See important Covid requirements and location info at right.


Program Description

Jeff’s passion for growing plants began as a teenager and now manifests itself in a nursery/garden open by appointment called Aloes in Wonderland, with 4.5 acres of cultivated grounds and greenhouses in the foothills of Santa Barbara. Jeff’s garden features specimen
plants of aloes, cycads, agaves, cactus, bromeliads, yuccas, dracaenas, cyphostemmas, brachychitons, euphorbias, palms, ceibas, and many other enticing plant groups. Jeff will share images and stories of the greatest hits in the garden. Garden tours of Aloes in Wonderland have become very popular and now Jeff brings his garden tour north to San Francisco.

Jeff has led botanical tours in Mexico for many years, focusing on the state of Oaxaca. He has had a 30 year relationship with Santa Barbara’s amazing botanic garden, Ganna Walska Lotusland. He is a Research Associate, Cycad Lecturer, Plant and Collections Committee Chair, and Auctioneer for the annual Exceptional Plant Sale. A lifelong cycad enthusiast, Jeff has been actively engaged in field work, studying the cycads of Mexico since the 1970’s. Jeff and his colleagues have authored 8 cycad species new to science, and he is a member of the IUCN Cycad Specialist Group.

For the show and tell table this month, we will feature Aloe, Haworthia, Gasteria, or other members of the Aloaceae.

Melanie Hamilton will be the featured grower this month.

There will be no shared snack table this month, but you can bring your own.


Watch Online

On Zoom: Register or join the meeting in progress

Or watch the simulcast on our Facebook page: http://fb.me.sfsucculent


Meeting Agenda

7:00 Mingling and announcements
7:30 Formal presentation starts promptly with Society business
7:35 Show and Tell Table – with Brian Kemble
7:50 Leg stretch
7:55 Featured presentation


Upcoming Events

  • June 16-19, 2022 – Summer Show and Sale is back!