Crazy for Cactus

The other day I arrived at a clothing store before it opened.  Next door, was an open 99-Cents Store.  Dozens of elderly kerchief-clad Russian ladies were elbowing each other to get inside.  What could all that be about I wondered?  To use up time, and to ease my curiosity, I did a quick 360 to make sure no one was watching, and dashed inside.  Everyone was making a beeline for big cardboard boxes in the front of the store and two of the ladies were vehemently arguing about something they'd both grabbed at the same time. I sped toward the boxes. Nestled among the aisles of the most inexpensive condiments I’ve ever seen were tons of pristine tiny cactus - the kind my local nursery sells for six bucks apiece.  I asked one of the Russian ladies, "Could these too be 99-cents each?"  She looked at me as if I was an interloper and gave me an almost imperceptible nod.

With beads of sweat glistening on my forehead, I pushed past all the ladies and bought a dozen or so. I brought them home, and soaked them in water, as they were bone dry, even by a cactus’ standards. You can tell when a cactus needs water, by the way, when it starts to recede from its container.  Anyways, I bunched them in groups of three and re-planted them in cactus soil in a circular ceramic container.  Like tulips, they look best with similar ones bunched together in small groups.   A good soak of water and voila!  For next to nothing, I’ve got an eye-catching arrangement that will last for months! By the way, the store clerk told me they get a shipment of plants from a local nursery ever Tuesday morning and since I’ve bought cyclamen and kalanchoe.  So, it might be worth your while to ask your local store if and when they get a shipment.  Don’t worry about thorns.  But beware of elbows.

Comments

[Jane Nyman]

Oh the 99-cent store is the best kept secret! I buy gift bags, wrapping and even gatorade there! I used to be a snob - but in this economy - not anymore. Smart shoppers know about this treasure trove of great buys.

[Cococozy]

This is a very hilarious and great story...and a great find! Who knew?

[Diane Watson]

What a great looking cactus arrangement. On more than one occasion, I found small plants in good condition at The Dollar Store. The Dollar Store cam be full of surprises including even fresh fruits and veggies on occasion.