Sept. 16 & 17, Cactus and Succulent Show: Twice a year, Jardines de San Juan (see below) lends its extensive patio to the Monterey Bay Area Cactus & Succulent Society, for this free event featuring hundreds of plants for sale and show. Visitors can view unusual varieties, purchase plants at reasonable prices and ask questions of knowledgeable volunteers. For more information, call Naomi Bloss at 722-1446.

Jardines de San Juan: Owned by the Santana family since 1977, the patio garden of this well-known Mexican restaurant features many spectacular cactus and succulent varieties that can be viewed year-round — with or without a margarita in hand. 115 Third St., San Juan Bautista. For more information, call 623-4466.

UCSC Arboretum: The arboretum’s impressive succulent collection was established starting in 1985, based on early specimen donations from Naomi Bloss and others. Free admission. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Christmas and Thanksgiving). Entrance on Empire Grade Road in Santa Cruz. For more information, call 427-2998.