Can cacti survive in the harsh climate of the High Desert? The long, cold winters make it seem unlikely, but a recent visit to Smith Rock Cactus Company in Terrebonne dispelled any of my doubts.
Cacti fascinate me, so when I heard about a place where they are purposely grown in our region, I had to see it for myself. I expected to see a few prickly plants scattered around, but to my surprise I found a thriving desert landscape set against the stunning backdrop of Smith Rock State Park and the Crooked River!
Owner Julie Lay and her husband purchased their property in Terrebonne during the mid-1980s, long before a single cactus called it home. Inspired by her time in Arizona, Lay had always wanted a cactus garden. In 2015 she planted a few from Nevada that had traveled around with her since 1979. Amazingly, those same cacti that started it all are still thriving today!
Her garden blends the Central Oregon and Southwest landscape in a surprisingly natural way. Patches of green grass and native vegetation give way to gravel filled cactus beds, creating a vibe that feels both intentional and wild. Little did Lay know that by 2017 the hobby would become a successful business.
“They grew so fast I didn’t know what to do with them,” Lay recalls. “Someone suggested I sell them.” Apparently, some varieties can double in size in a single year.
As we walk around the property I get a crash course in everything cacti. Very knowledgeable, Lay points out the subtle differences between species, from the shape of their spines to the distinct colors of their blooms. She shares some tips.
Cacti are tough but not invincible. They prefer coarse, sandy conditions with excellent drainage. Berms help keep roots elevated, and rocks can reflect heat. Avoid mulch or wood chips, which trap moisture, and stop watering from fall through early spring. Prolonged cold can be rough on them, but snow? It’s actually a natural insulator.
Both people and pets quickly learn where NOT to step. Just ask her grandkids. Lay recommends using hemostats or even BBQ tongs when handling plants. Gloves usually just get ruined.
Many of her plants come from trips to Tucson, where the couple has a second home. Over time, she’s collected and added more than 100 unique types of cacti to add to her property. Prickly pear, perhaps the most recognizable, thrives here, along with cholla (my personal favorite), hedgehogs, and beehive cacti. Among those are many varieties. For example, I never knew so many species of prickly pear existed!
Beyond their striking appearance, cacti can also be surprisingly useful. Some varieties produce edible fruit that can be turned into jams and syrups, adding another layer of appeal. And while indoor cacti rarely bloom, those planted outside can produce vibrant flowers from spring through midsummer.
When asked about her favorites Lay pauses and then replies, “They’re all favorites. It really depends. Maybe I like the flower, or one of the plants reminds me of the place I got it.” Clearly each plant carries a story. She recently picked up a ruffled papaya, a hard-to-find, cold-hardy breed she had been hunting a while.
Lay also shares her knowledge more broadly through educational efforts, including work connected to the Master Gardener program and online videos.
“Cacti can be found growing in every state except Alaska. Parts of Eastern Oregon even have native varieties, which, as you might imagine, ranchers aren’t always thrilled about.” With Central Oregon’s shift to encourage Waterwise and Firewise gardening, planting cacti makes a lot of sense. They require less water, less maintenance, and we don’t have to worry about deer and other critters eating them! For those still wanting ornamental beauty without the upkeep, they offer a very practical alternative.
I left inspired. Except for a hardy prickly pear, I’ve kept my collection of cacti indoors, but after a visit to the Smith Rock Cactus Company, I’m determined to take the leap this summer and get my own outside garden established. Because the business is at Lay’s home, visitors should call or email beforehand to schedule an appointment.
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