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Many of our garden enthusiasts are enchanted by the 'night blooming cactus', a genus in the cactus family that includes several cactus species because they only bloom at night. Also known as an orchid cactus, her one night stand promises stunning white flowers, but only once a year. Her botanical name, Cereus, is one of the strangest plants of the desert resembling nothing more than a dead bush throughout most of the year. It is rarely seen in the wild because of its inconspicuousness. Classified as a ceroid cactus, Cereus comes with several nicknames. Free from spikes or spines it grows unusually and has thick, broad leaves that grow vines and shoots. One of her more popular names is "Queen of the Night" and our members who possess this unusual rarity are fortunate to have a front row seat for her once a year show. In chronological order of blooming stages, we have Late Bloomer member Sue Watt to thank for submitting these pictures for your enjoyment. The Queen's buds have been growing for about a month; she first wakes up in the late afternoon, preparing for her evening performance. Bursting forth in full bloom, as the sun begins to set, one can capture her intoxicating fragrance throughout the garden. By early morning, still putting on a grand performance, the Queen of the Night begins her bow. As the curtain falls and the sun climbs higher into the heavens, this Lady has performed her one-night-only grand performance. Our meeting in September will be Mon., Sept. 9 at 1 pm in the Arts & Crafts Room. All Four Seasons residents are welcome to attend meetings and tips. Sharing gardening tips, traveling together, learning from each other, and cultivating forever friendships are the blooms growing in our gardens. Late Bloomers meets every second Monday of the month at 1 pm in the Arts & Crafts Room, unless we meet off-site for unique excursions. For more info, please contact Sharon Deuber at (760) 500-0077, Sharon@BlackDiamondInvestments.net. | Four Seasons Hemet Herald | SEPTEMBER 2024 | 15 Late Bloomers Garden Club