Many years ago I got a few cactus pads from a customer. It was Opuntia humifusa (Prickly Pear Cactus). That was a beginning to my cactus collection.
Every year I search for new plants or seeds hardy to my area.
About seven years ago I got seeds of Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. mojavensis . Took long time but one of my plants flowered today. It was worth the wait. I am so glad I didn’t miss it because my little cactus had only one flower.