I shall give it a go and see what happens. Mind you I moved house since then and the collection is somewhat smaller now. Plenty of interest though. Grass Aloes should really get the blood pumping..

Hummingbirds? In Gloucester?

Some years ago I did a trip round my Aloes which elicited a lot of interest but I think it would die a death now if repeated.

Eric, I just posted what I thought was an interesting Huernia flower but other than Ralph it got nil points as they say in Eurovision.

Nearly every topic on the forum now relates to cacti. Are succulents out of fashion?

Mesembs get the occasional mention, Agaves and Aloes just a glimmer, Stapeliads, Euphorbias, caudiciforms virtually nothing.

Such a shame because fascinating plants are being missed out on.

Beechgrove Garden is such an excellent programme. I shall be watching next Sunday morning.

This is Huernia reticulata. John Pilbeam's book has this much redder but this variety is nearly black.

John Innes and vermiculite 50/50 gives a lighter, fluffier mix. Easier for young roots I find.

Names please iann?

Fine suggestion Eric. Highly recommended.