On May 2, 2024, the Williams Lake Garden Club was treated to a unique discussion and slide show by a couple from the 100 Mile House area. The enthusiasm of Ewa and Voytek Foik lead to Chris Coates arranging a visit to their cactus garden by a number of garden club members on June 1, 2024.
Ewa and Voytek have been working with cactus and succulent plants for 40-plus years and more than 20 years on their existing place which consists of a unique log house and cactus greenhouse and attached building. Voytek used logs and a lot of concrete to build an impressive structure to hold the 1,000-plus varieties of cacti and succulent plants.
The Foiks have travelled around the world searching for and acquiring many specimens for their collection as well as being asked to share their knowledge and experience at a wide variety of academic events.
As we observed during our visit they have spent many hours developing the watering and heating systems in order for their plants to survive and thrive in the extreme climate of the B.C. Interior.
Black plastic pipes heated by solar and wood heat backup along with lots of water in various containers as well as extensive radiant heating in the cement floors helps to maintain a humidity and temperatures required for their extensive plant collection.
The house is also part of the circulating water system which helps move any surplus heat and increase the efficiency of the overall heating and cooling system. Voytek's skill as a craftsman is evident through out the property with his the log work, custom made furniture and rolling tables in the greenhouse which minimizes walkways and assists in the watering of the many plants.
A major turning point took place a few years ago when Anna Roberts, a longtime Williams Lake area potter, visited and convinced the Foiks their cactus plants deserved a better container than the plastic ones most of the plants were in then.
After showing them what was possible using her unique clay-fired creations the Foiks also became ardent potters including their daughter who has made some impressive creations of her own. While the pictures do not do justice to the many varieties of pottery, all who visit agree the overall collection is an amazing example of what is possible with passion, persistence and a love of what you do.
As you would expect, the Foiks have names and a story for all of the 1,200-plus plants they have in their collection.
Out of respect for the owners' privacy I have not provided details of their location but the Foiks indicated they are planning a public event next July 2025 and the exact date and location will be announced in the spring.
I was able to see a variety of cactus plants when I made a trip to Phoenix, Arizona, especially the rare Giant Saguaro variety which can reach up to 40 feet in height.
It was wonderful to see the many plant species in their native environment along with the other unique plants, reptiles and bird life but if you want the next best thing and don't have the means to travel be sure you set some time aside next summer for a trip to the interior.
