Have you thought about spreading your horticultural wings? Whether you are interested in roses, bonsai or native plants, there are like-minded fellow gardeners in Tucson to help you learn about specific plants. Here are six plant societies that can provide the opportunities, knowledge, and camaraderie you are looking for, all for low yearly membership dues.
The Tucson Area Iris Society: If this year’s Master Gardener Home Tour inspired you to grow irises, consider joining the Tucson Area Iris Society. Annual membership is just $10, and you get access to garden tours, rhizome sales, and the national convention, and a monthly newsletter, among other benefits. The website also offers lots of tips and resources.
Tucson Orchid Society: The Tucson Orchid Society caters to orchid fans in the Tucson area. They meet on the third Wednesday of the month from January through October, currently on Zoom only. Membership is $12 yearly, and benefits include monthly newsletters, a yearly fall auction, a spring show, lectures from knowledgeable guest speakers, and more.
Rose Society of Tucson: Can’t live without roses? Make sure you get some tips from the enthusiasts at the Rose Society of Tucson. Membership is just $20 per family and you get information on all things rose-related, plus a regular newsletter. Meetings are the first Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. (except July and August) at the Tucson Botanical Gardens. There’s also an annual April rose show. Make sure you check out their monthly rose care section for information on how to care for your roses throughout the year.
Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society: The TCSS is a huge organization with over 1,700 members and too many activities and benefits to list them all. Membership is only $15 per individual or $20 per family per year. You can also choose a lifetime membership for $500. There are lots of volunteering opportunities as well as cactus rescues, where members can rescue cacti in areas scheduled for construction or other demolition. You can get beautiful saguaro, barrel, cholla and other cacti for peanuts. They also hold cactus sales for members, where you can buy cacti at a discount without going to the rescues. Monthly meetings are on the first Thursdays of the month, January through November, at 7 p.m. and are available both in person and on Zoom.
Tucson Bonsai Society: Love bonsai? Or perhaps you want to learn? The Tucson Bonsai Society has fall classes, field trips, workshops and monthly programs for members. Members also get access to tools, nursery discounts and other benefits. Membership costs $35 per year.
Arizona Native Plant Society Tucson chapter: This group will support your interests in native plants. They meet via Zoom on the second Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. They also have great classes each month on plant identification and cultivation, volunteering opportunities, resources for native plant enthusiasts and fun field trips, among other activities. Membership is $30 for individuals and $35 for families. Other benefits of membership include annual meetings, workshops and a subscription to their journal, the "Plant Press."
