Thursday, April 30, 2015

OF BLOOMS AND BIRDS...MORE DESERT GARDEN BEAUTY

I know - looks tropical, huh?  I spied two MASSIVE white blooms truly hidden in the garden.  Off the beaten path, and probably missed by most...my mind was wandering as I was walking across the parking lot, and caught these out of the corner of my eye, in a remote section.  This was, no exaggeration, the size of a salad plate.
As near as I can find out (there was no one available to ask on Sunday), this is called an Easter Lily Cactus.  I couldn't get near to it, so these were all zoomed as far as my camera would let me.  It sat at the base of a much more imposing cactus - I went back two days later, and the bottom right was all that was left of the bloom.  Things "come and go so quickly here"...I'm sure a lot of people missed this one!

The yellows are predominant in the garden now, with most of the pink and orange blooms having already made their showing.


And THIS guy...lounging atop a Purple Cloud Ranger, as I drove into the parking lot.  Tried to get the shot through the car window, so as not to disturb him...too dark.  Actually got out of my car - I was evidently a non-threat to him, as all I got was this "look" and a few shots before leaving him in peace.  No nest - just laying on the bush!
The birds ADORE these gardens...it's a cheerfully noisy place to walk through.
Even the areas that aren't heavily laden with blooms are beautiful - just a smattering of soft purple against all these sharp spines is a show stopper.  The barrel cactus are spectacular, if not menacing at the same time.  Happy Thursday - off to paint some walls...
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9 comments:

  1. DortheApril 30, 2015 at 8:29 AM

    Tanya, dear, those white flowers are gorgeous, and I can imagine, as you write, that they don`t last for long, in that climate, but lucky you ,to have seen them.
    And then all the ones in very strong colours, -just amazing,- as well as the birds,- can the get water enough there, I wonder.
    Such wonderful photoes, my friend.
    Hugs,Dorthe

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  2. Salty Pumpkin StudioApril 30, 2015 at 8:45 AM

    Beautiful photos!
    The white cactus flower is stunning. I'd love to see one in person. The crow is a poser, resting there to get his picture taken. lol

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  3. Tammy@T's Daily TreasuresApril 30, 2015 at 9:28 AM

    Wow! Those big white blooms are gorgeous! We don't actually see much cactus around here. Guess it's not that kind of desert :) Have a great day. Tammy

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  4. LaurieApril 30, 2015 at 10:09 AM

    The flowers are beautiful. I guess there's beauty everywhere, you just have to look. Glad you found these.

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  5. oldgreymareprimitivesApril 30, 2015 at 10:56 AM

    Great job! You are such a great teacher and guide to our area and in CO too! Painting? Before the massive heat I suppose? <3

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  6. QuinnMay 1, 2015 at 4:31 AM

    I'd love to walk through that garden! Then I'd love to some inside and have a tall glass of iced tea - I can almost feel the heat in your images :)

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  7. JackieMay 1, 2015 at 6:31 AM

    Sweet! Love the birds and cactus...

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  8. Mary Ann PotterMay 1, 2015 at 12:54 PM

    Your photos are absolutely wonderful, and that bird obviously enjoys his creature comforts! A delightful post!

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  9. Vicki BosterMay 3, 2015 at 7:31 AM

    Tanya-- the desert blooms are simply gorgeous. We have one of the yellow cactus and it blooms every summer. I think cactus blooms are so gorgeous-- I'd love to visit the desert sometime when they are in bloom:)
    Hugs to you:)
    Xoxoxo
    Vicki

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