John Story's business card for Story's Neversink Plant Co. reads “rare succulents and interesting plants,” and he's not kidding.

His greenhouse, built when he moved to Neversink two and a half years ago, is filled with not only succulents, but other beautiful and unusual flora. One could, quite literally, spend a whole day looking at and learning about his amazing variety of incredibly interesting plants.

Story's plants can be looked over and purchased at the Harvest Festival at Bethel Woods opening this Sunday.

“When most people think of succulents, they think of cacti, which is a type of succulent, but not all succulents are cacti and not all cacti are succulents,” explains Story. “The word ‘succulent' is an adjective that describes this type of plant.”

To laypeople, probably the most common succulent that is cultivated in this part of the world are hens and chickens and sedum, as well as the jade plant, a fairly common house plant. Story's collection boasts plants that hail from South America and Africa, as well as United States.

A little known fact is that many succulents are endangered or threatened due to over picking in the wild. “Many varieties are slow-growers, so when they are picked in their natural environment, they don't have a chance to re-grow,” he explains. “While endangered plants aren't as intriguing as say, endangered animals, those who grow these types of plants are helping to preserve species that would otherwise disappear forever.”

Story warns that cultivating succulents can become an addictive hobby. “There are so many unusual and beautiful varieties that are available but hard to find. Once you collect a few it's hard to not want more. They're not difficult to grow and care for, which make them even more desirable once you get started.”

Story welcomes growers to visit his greenhouse by appointment, and if you are a plant lover, it is well worth the trip.

The greenhouse is located at 164 Mutton Hill Rd., Neversink. Call 985-5071 or email johnstory46@gmail.com.

Harvest Fest Basics

Every Sunday from August 30-September 27 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at festival site, corner of Hurd and West Shore Roads in Bethel.

Free admission, but there will be a $2 parking fee. No pets.

www.bethelwoodscenter.org