Amaryllis belladonna flower

Many species of South African plants, especially bulbs, are well-suited for Southern California gardens. Amaryllis, gladiolus and freesia are well-known for their contributions to the home garden, but there are numerous, lesser-known bulbs — such as albuca, ferraria, lachenalia and babiana — that have their own distinctive blossoms.

Tom Glavich, proprietor of Skyview Succulents, will reveal his secrets for growing these exotic bulbs on Saturday, Dec. 1, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the next CSUN-al Gardening session at California State University, Northridge.

Glavich photographed many species in habitat on a recent journey to South Africa. He will introduce these exotic plants, as well as some homegrown bulbs from his nursery collection, during his presentation.

“Tom is an accomplished grower of bulbs, succulents and bromeliads,” said Brenda Kanno, manager of CSUN’s Botanic Garden, which hosts the CSUN-al Gardening Series. “He is also the author of ‘The Beginner’s Guide to Haworthia, Agave and Other Succulent Monocots,’ as well as numerous newsletter articles for local cactus and succulent clubs. He expresses his creative talents through ceramics and plant illustrations.”

Registration for the free class is required. Email botanicgarden@csun.edu to request a space in the class or for more information. Driving and parking instructions, as well as the class meeting location, will be sent upon registration.

CSUN’s Botanic Garden is operated by the university’s Department of Biology, and serves as a field site for botany, entomology, photography, painting and other classes. In addition to geographically themed plantings and a butterfly garden, the garden also features greenhouses where noteworthy botanical specimens are grown.

The garden is open to the community. Visit the Botanic Garden website, www.csun.edu/botanicgarden, for more information.

Bulbs, CSUN-al Gardening, Gardening, South African flowers