People trample over flowers, yet only to embrace a cactus.—James Joyce
Alas, there were no wildflowers this year. The heat and drought of the past summer eliminated any chance of an appearance. Happily, the cactus did not disappoint.
Vibrant growth on a prickly pear.
Dave and I first noticed the cactus buds on one of our dog walks through the neighborhood.
Argentine Giant bud, ready to bloom.
Within days blooms appeared. Bursts of color on a washed-out canvas never get old. The intensity of color in ordinary settings—an annual surprise.
Boom. This bloom lasted a day.
Tiny blooms perk up ground cover.
Giant waxy blossom.
Blooms, birds and bees—where there were flowers, there were hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated hummingbird hovers in the front yard bush.
Warblers perched within the canopy of our backyard Palo Verde—mostly hidden within a sea of yellow.
Warbler camouflage.
Wilson warbler.
We love to spot the peach-faced lovebirds that plant themselves high above in palms that tower over the sidewalks.
This annual occurrence always reminds us that in the face of nature’s adversity, it is possible to flourish.
Our neighbor’s rose.