Calendar

May Meeting: “In Search of Hardy Succulents” by Panayoti Kelaidis

Mark the calendar for Thursday, May 21st, at 6:30pm for a special presentation by Panayoti Kelaidis, where he will share how hardy succulents became a turning point in his professional life, opening the door to a new world of creative gardening. Through stories of discovery, experimentation, and real‑world experience, he explores how remarkable plants reshaped his work and expanded what gardens can be. Doors open at 6pm.

*Please note that this May meeting will be held on May 21st, one week later than our usual second-Thursday schedule. There will not be a meeting on May 14.*

Panayoti is a renowned plant explorer, designer, and passionate advocate for gardening as a force for good, best known for his long‑standing work with Denver Botanic Gardens, where he serves as Director of Outreach. Since joining the Gardens in 1980, he has shaped some of its most celebrated spaces—including the acclaimed Rock Alpine Garden—while introducing hundreds of remarkable plants from the American West, South Africa, and Eurasia into cultivation, many now enjoyed by gardeners worldwide.

As a co‑founder of Plant Select® and a leading voice for Western native plants, Panayoti has traveled extensively in search of botanical treasures, helped discover species new to science, and shared his knowledge through lectures, media, and mentorship. Honored with national awards, he believes deeply that gardening connects people to nature and offers a path toward a more sustainable future

Thursday, May 21st, 6:30pm. Doors open at 6.

Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Grand Valley: 536 Ouray Ave, Grand Junction, CO 81501

Our meetings are free and open to the public.

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June Garden Tour: Saturday, June 6th

When: Saturday, June 6th, 2026. 9:30am-12:30pm

Where: Three diverse local gardens, ranging in age from less than two years old to over forty. Keep on the lookout for an email with full details to follow.

Bring a hat, sunscreen and a bagged lunch to enjoy at our final garden. Feel free to contact us with any questions.

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June Garden Party: Saturday, June 20th at 8am

*NOTE the 8am start time to beat the heat!*

See information for future garden parties under the Garden Party Schedule below.

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2026 Garden Party Schedule

Join us monthly from March through October at our club demonstration garden for light planting, clean up, and socializing. Garden parties are open to the public and are a great way to get introduced to cacti and succulent plants. The club has limited extra tools available, but you are encouraged to bring your own.

Our garden is located out front of the Colorado State University Tri River Area Extension: 2775 US-50, Grand Junction, CO, 81503