Palm Society of South Texas (PSST)

Welcome to the Cantu's in Harlingen..

(Please note: Placing the cursor over a picture gives you some info on it....)

This month we met up at Uvaldo and Gemma Cantu's home and garden in Harlingen. It was a warmer than normal August day and yet we had a great turn out. August is usually our lowest attended meeting of the year (due to the heat) and with this years above normal temps we were afraid we'd have an extremely low turn out. However, Uvaldo had a ace up his tropical sleeve... he colaborated with neighbor and fellow palm and cactus lover, Rick Bassett to have the members come to his garden as well during the meeting. This certainly helped entice many more members to brave the August heat...

the refreshing looking pool

at the edge of the yard overlooking a small gorge

In addition, Uvaldo and Gemma graciously provided the entire meal having it catered by Johnny Carino's Italian Grille. This gave members a break from having to provide side dishes and desserts. We thank you both for you hospitality and for making this a great meeting to remember. The food was delicious and as usual there was plenty for all to enjoy. After the meal we enjoyed delicious cheese cake. Once everybody was finished eating, we had a quick society meeting where we discussed the treasury report, the Brownsville Botanical Garden survey and the possibility of purchasing a stone bench in the memory of Robert Riffle. Robert Riffle was a former society member while living here in Texas and as most will know, a world known author and palm expert. Bob recently passed away and the society would like to remember him and his contributions to the advancement of palms.

a peek into a small courtyard garden

After the meeting we had an impromptu auction with the plants that we brought in by the society members. Despite the heat all had a good time and bid on the plants they wanted. After the auction, we all caravan'd over to Rick's home that was on the other side of the gorge.

Uvaldo greets Ed Ladd poolside

Beautiful washingtonia fronds against a blue sky

Here are some more pics from Uvaldo's... After the meeting, we went over to see Rick Bassett's beautiful and unique garden. Click on the link below to see his garden.

members socializing before the meal