Right here in Norwood, hundreds of miles from the deserts of California and Arizona, a Norwood woman is raising close to a hundred different varieties of cactus plants, the prize number of her unusual collection being over 25 years old.

About 30 years ago, Mrs. Eva Readel of 402 Nahatan Street was given her first cactus plant, known as an Easter lily cactus. Still flourishing after over 25 years of her careful attention, the Easter lily cactus is now the center of attraction of her collection.

The cactus plants, of unusual shapes, sizes, and colors are her hobby, and many an hour is spent weekly by Mrs. Readel in taking care of the plants. Their names are most unusual with such flowery titles as silver torch, starfish, cymbal, and rainbow. ‘Partridge breast, fish hook, grizzly bear; hedgehog, old lady, boxing glove, hen and chickens, powder puff, and beaver tail are” among some of her other varieties.

Mrs. Readel also has one of the loveliest flower gardens in town and at the present time it is in a riot of color with its many varieties of blooms at the height of the .summer.season.

(All articles were originally published in the Norwood Messenger unless otherwise noted)