Plant ahead
Visit centralcoastcactus.org for more info on the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society. The nonprofit’s 18th annual show and sale will take place at Nipomo High School on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., respectively. Nipomo High School is located at 525 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo.
There’s something eye-catching about the cacti featured in an upcoming Nipomo exhibition, beyond the prickly quality of their hair-like spines.
“The plants at this show are so diverse in size, shape, and color and many of them have a real sculptural presence that is fun to experience,” local business owner Nick Wilkinson said in an email interview.
He’s a longtime participant of the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society’s annual show and sale. This year marks the nonprofit’s 18th event, scheduled to take place on July 18 and 19 at Nipomo High School.
“The original intention for the event was to both educate the public about succulents and cacti, and also use the sales of specialty plants as the primary fundraiser for the society,” Wilkinson said. “I have been a part of this club since its inception nearly 20 years ago, and this event just keeps getting better and better. … [The club] really works to provide a welcoming event for all.”
Two decades back was also when Wilkinson’s plant nursery, GROW, first opened its doors in Cambria. Each year that he’s participated in the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society’s fundraiser, he brings along about 20 different plant specimens from his nursery’s collection.
“[We] will again be one of about a dozen vendors from throughout the state that brings rare and unusual plants to sell at the event,” Wilkinson said.
There are also competitions for participating green thumbs to take part in, with award categories ranging from best Chihuahuan desert cactus to best caudiciform, aka fat plant.
“The judged show [is] always a crowd favorite with an auction that happens on Saturday afternoon,” Wilkinson said. “The judging is set up so that those who want to participate will only ever compete against those of their same level, and there are even rookie and kids categories.”
During last year’s competition, Leisa Swanson took home the award for best cactus novice, while Linda Hicks won best cactus advanced. The 2025 event also gave out accolades for best rookie entry cactus and best rookie entry succulent to Nick Fotinakas and Kim Leblanc, respectively.
Fotinakas’ “rookie entry” that year was an astrophytum myriostigma, while Leblanc’s was an agave victoriae reginae, aka a white rhino. The 2025 competition also commended young participant David Westberg Jr. as the contest’s best youth grower.
Meanwhile, one of Wilkinson’s awards in 2025 affirmed his Cambria-based nursery’s reputation for specializing in rare and unusual plants. His gonolobus cyclophyllus submission won the award for rarest plant in show last year.
“We have several links on our site that can help guide those that want to participate in preparing their plants for the show,” said Wilkinson, who recommends that anyone interested in the event check out centralcoastcactus.org.
Consistent with all of the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society’s programming, the annual fundraiser was envisioned as a way to encourage community members to consider nurturing cacti and succulents for themselves and provide beginner-friendly tips on the best practices to do so for aspiring “cactophiles.”
“Beyond the great plants and [handmade] pottery for sale, there are many experts that can help folks find the right plant for their needs,” Wilkinson said. “Ultimately, I just want to convey how much the society is here to help people answer questions about succulents and cacti.”
Highlights
• In late June, the Santa Maria Town Center celebrated the grand opening of its newest storefront, Hot Topic. The mall’s ownership, Spinoso Real Estate Group, welcomed the popular retail shop in a recent press release. “Hot Topic’s energy and focus on self-expression align perfectly with the vibrant shopping experience we strive to create for our visitors,” Spinoso Real Estate Group CEO Carmen Spinosa stated. “This addition enhances our retail mix and introduces a nationally recognized brand that celebrates individuality.” Founded in 1989, Hot Topic has more than 600 locations across the country, including the new Santa Maria Town Center outlet and its Pismo Beach location.
• Bakersfield-based company Line Dance Bako will host a beginner-friendly line dance class at the Cuyama Buckhorn in New Cuyama on Friday, July 3, from 7 to 9 p.m. No reservations are needed to join the class, led by instructor Zoe Crandall. To find out more about the program, call the Cuyama Buckhorn at (661) 766-2825 or visit cuyamabuckhorn.com. The venue is located at 4923 Primero St., New Cuyama.
Reach Senior Staff Writer Caleb Wiseblood at cwiseblood@santamariasun.com.
This article appears in July 2 – July 9, 2026.
