The best part of attending a plant society show and sale is the unusual plants that can be found. There may be plenty of not-so-unusual plants, but there are always the plants you won’t find anywhere else. Plant society members are collectors and have propagated their plants for the sale. The “show” part of the show and sale always exhibits some well grown mature plants. They are amazing to see and the members are there to answer questions and discuss the plants. It is a great place to learn. The Michigan Cactus and Succulent Society and the Southeast Michigan Bromeliad Society had a show and sale last weekend together at Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor. They had record numbers of people and it was crazy! I’m glad I arrived early before the plants were all gone. Here are the plants I purchased.

I love euphorbias and purchased 5 new ones to add to my collection. Don’t you love this twisty Euphorbia groenewaldii?

This awesome looking Euphorbia heterochroma looks like a caterpillar.

This spiky Euphorbia stenoclada will be a stunner when it is larger. It already is. Yet, it also will be dangerous…yikes!

I saw this plant, Kalanchoe gastonis-bonnieri or donkey ears, on a garden walk this last summer and hope this one eventually looks that good. My newly purchased plant is the first picture and the other two photos are from the garden walk.  I just love how the little plantlets grow on the end of the leaves.

The last plant is Euphorbia croizatii and resembles a crown of thorns (Euphorbia milii). I like the slightly ruffled leaves.

Of course, I couldn’t resist going across the aisle to the bromeliad sale. I could have spent a lot more money, but I have no more room. I purchased a neoregelia because of the color and they are easy to care for. I’m going to put it in a west window and keep the cup filled with water.

The next time you see a plant society sale near you, or even one not so near, jump at the chance to add to your collection. The array of plants will amaze you!