Ethel M's Cactus Garden & Chocolate Tasting

The Garden Club had a nice turnout of 30 members and friends for our May 11, 2021 meeting at Ethel M's Cactus Garden and Chocolate Factory.

The Garden Curator, Steve, took us on a lovely 40 minute tour of their 3-acre cactus garden with over 300 plant species. Steve shared his recipe for cactus soil:

• 1 part potting soil containing peat
• 1 part gritty amendment such as pebbles, ground pumice, ground granite
• 1 part sand

This was followed by a presentation from Chocolatier, Vic, who guided us through a chocolate tasting in their shaded pavilion. We learned that their chocolates are made from fresh beans that they control straight from the source, without preservatives, and are made with solar energy when possible.

The event was capped off by everyone receiving a potted Aloe Greatheadii, a native of South Africa/Zambia/Mozambique/Zimbabwe.

We were then free to go into the Chocolate Factory to walk along the viewing aisle, browse the chocolate treats on sale, and enjoy their latest specialty, a Peanut-Brittle Milkshake!

There were reports that the staff at Ethel M's was very impressed with our group as we were very impressed with the knowledge and professionalism shown by Steve and Vic and the friendly help from the "behind the scenes" office and retail staff.

Scroll down for photo highlights of the event. If you have photos from this event that you would like to share with us, please send them to SCAGardenClub20@gmail.com.

As of this writing, Ethel M's is open daily from 8am to 8pm at #2 Cactus Garden Drive, Henderson, NV 89014. 702-435-2608 EthelM.com They offer a variety of specialized tasting events by appointment, including pairings with wine and beer, and will be conducting special tastings in honor of Father's Day!