The Desert is Alive

There are pictures in the Chandler Mall that show the desert blooming with wildflowers and all sorts of color all along the mountainsides. Until recently I had decided that these pictures were produced in photoshop. I had not seen any of those colors in the actual desert. The only colors seemed to be from the plants that have been done in yards and along the freeways. I am now very happy to say that I was incorrect. The desert does bloom and it has a lot of very bright color. I had no idea this was possible, since I  think it has rained maybe once since last November.

I have been told that the colors are even better and more plentiful during wet springs, (I have been told already last year = wet spring, this year = normal spring.) I would like to see what these "wet" springs are, but still...I am grateful for all of the color.

The saguaros bloom each year on the tops of the arms that have sprouted. Once the cactus blooms it grows a fruit that only a local Indian tribe is able to harvest. I am in love with the tiny, white blooms that look like someone dusted some powder on the Saguaros.



These blooms were not open yet, but rumor has it that they open fully at night.

Not only do the Saguaros bloom, but so does practically everything else out there. This little guy was on a prickly pear cactus.



This is on a barrel cactus.



And these little guys were along a bush that no one has been able to give me a name yet.



Those thorns look a little menacing, don't you think?