Agave desmetiana and attenuata are common to see at nurseries around here. The Mediopicta Alba may be a little harder to track down. Yes, you can grow all three of these in pots, but the americana will eventually get too large for that. It's a slow grower, even more so in a pot, so it will do just fine in a container for years. In fact, all three of these have gracefully recurved leaves that look great in fancy pots.

A retailer with a good selection of Agaves and other succulents is Half Moon Bay nursery on Rt. 92. Many retail nurseries in this area buy their Agaves wholesale from San Marcos Growers. Check out their web site, they have the plants you want. Then check their retailer list for Northern California here to find one near you. Then contact that retailer and tell them what you want. Depending on the item and its cost, you may be required to pay up front, no refunds, but you'll be able to select from a long list of great Agaves.

Succulent Gardens in Castroville has some agaves, not an extensive list, but I think Robin Stockwell grows the three you want. Call first, but a visit to his growing grounds is a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Brad

Also get out the yellow pages to find some nurseries that may have them. There are succulent clubs up that way, see in you can contact Jon Dixon he may be able to help you out or Anne Shein. The San Francisco Club is a strong one the members should have some of those as well I certainly do. San Jose also has a strong group, and were very kind to me when I gave a program for them, if you need contact information I will be able to help with that. Sacramento has a club. Bud and Eve's has them probably as well. Naomi Bloss, and K& L Nursery, Huntingtoon Gardens, mails out plants, If you come down here to my Valley, I can take you to three nursery's in one afternoon, and private nurseyr's You would be more then welcome. Norma

I'm very active in the SF Cactus & Succulent Society. We have some agave experts (like Brian Kemble) who are great resources. I have the last two you mention although I found them down south, not up here. I have an extra Medio Picta.

Another nursery worth a trip is The Dry Garden in Oakland. Talk to Richard who may be able to order what you are looking for: (510) 547-3564

Also, be sure to check the club plant sales--you will always find agaves and such that you will never see at the nurseries: San Jose and Monterey in Spring and Fall, and SF in June. And there will be a Norcal again this year.

Tom

In the Spring, check out the CVS Pharmacy at Prospect and San Tomas. Don't know if you are aware that they often have a nice selection of C&S that puts some nurseries to shame. The selection now is not good, but in the Spring/Summer it has been real good for many years now. Just a nearby resource for you to check out.

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