Desert Garden

More roses~Nature Notes~121511

2011-12-14T18:16:00.000-08:00

It rained here in the desert Monday night and since I was still sick with my flu, I slept in Tuesday morning until about 8:00 a.m. That's LATE for someone like me, who usually gets up at 4:30 am!!! But, by 8:00, the rain had stopped and I wanted to drive to our nearby park, set up my tripod, and take some photos of the roses with raindrops on them. So I did! I was dismayed to see that many roses have been pulled off and thrown on the ground carelessly by people who frequent the park. Some have been bent...sigh...But, at least for now, there are many, many flowers and buds still on the bushes and I'll continue to visit them as often as I can. I appreciate their beauty, their grace, and their color! Nature Notes for December 15, 2011. All roses are at the Palm Desert civic center park. Don't you love their color and variety? To visit Nature Notes, please go to: http://ramblingwoods.com/

Water on pansy~Macro Monday~121211

2011-12-12T06:17:00.000-08:00

I was waiting for my friend Susan a couple of weekends ago because we were heading up to the horse ranch and she was coming to help me groom a couple of the horses. I looked down and saw that some of the flowers on the divider strip on one of the streets had beautiful flowers and the sprinklers had just turned off. I focused on this pansy, with the water droplets sitting on the top of it. Isn't it beautiful? Macro Monday for December 12, 2011. To visit Lisa's Macro Monday, please go to: http://lisaschaos.com/

Pansies~Mellow Yellow Monday~121211

2011-12-12T06:12:00.000-08:00

Cheerful, bright pansies for Mellow Yellow Monday. No, these aren't in my garden. They are on a strip on El Paseo Drive, in my town. MYM for December 12, 2011. To visit MYM, please go to this link: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Yellow rose~Mellow Yellow Monday~120511

2011-12-04T20:03:00.000-08:00

Once again, I spent the morning down at my local park, taking photos of the roses there. I now do this every weekend and I'm constantly discovering new angles and lighting situations. I find this very relaxing. The ducks are out, the fountain is on, people are out walking their dogs...it's a very pleasant way to begin the day! Mellow Yellow Monday for December 5, 2011. To visit MYM, please follow this link: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Light pink rose~Flowers on Saturday~120311

2011-12-03T10:02:00.000-08:00

I found this pretty pink rose in the city's rose garden. I like to take my camera down there and just take photos of their roses, since I can't grow any of my own! Flowers on Saturday for December 3, 2011. To visit Flowers on Saturday, please go to: http://blueberrycraftandhobbytime.blogspot.com/

Status of my garden~120311

2011-12-03T10:00:00.000-08:00

The seeds have sprouted and I can now identify desert lupine and California poppies. Not that many sunflowers have survived, however. I planted two packets of them and only about 6 have survived. I'm not going to replant them. And, I haven't planted my sweet peas out back, along the fence yet...sigh...Anyway, here's a peek at what my front side garden looks like today, December 3, 2011.

Desert yellow~Mellow Yellow Monday~112811

2011-11-27T17:50:00.000-08:00

I was out and about early this morning and I found this delightful yellow flower over at The Gardens in Palm Desert. The wildflower seeds I threw out have now sprouted in my front yard. I can already identify Desert Lupine and California poppies. It won't be long now before they are blooming. Mellow Yellow Monday for November 28, 2011. To visit Mellow Yellow Monday, go to: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Roses after the rain~Today's Flowers~112711

2011-11-26T19:15:00.000-08:00

After an overnight rain, I headed over to our civic center park early one morning, before school, to look at the roses. Aren't they pretty with the water drops on them? The park was nearly deserted except for some early birds out walking their dogs, and the ducks, who were lined up next to the lake, and me! Today's Flowers for November 27, 2011.

Texas lavendar~Sunday Stills Challenge~112711

2011-11-26T19:03:00.000-08:00

This week's challenge was bokeh, which I never heard of before, and I had to read up on it. Bokeh means basically "out of focus" and means that while your subject is in focus, the background isn't. Honestly, I'd never really thought about this before and I had to go through my archives to find an example of it. I took this photo while we were over in Arizona, in Scottsdale, in August this summer. Since I usually take landscapes, I had to really search for an example. I hope this is a decent one...Sunday Stills Challenge for 112711. To visit Sunday Stills Challenge, please go to: http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Red Rose~Macro Monday and Ruby Tuesday~112211

2011-11-21T15:54:00.000-08:00

Pure elegance. I LOVE roses. Macro Monday and Ruby Tuesday for November 22, 2011. Not in my garden, however...this one is down at our park. To visit Macro Monday, please go to: http://lisaschaos.com/ To visit Ruby Tuesday, please go to: http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/

Zinnias~Today's Flowers~111311

2011-11-12T18:59:00.000-08:00

I took these photos back in August of this year and put them in my archives. I was going through them today and thought I'd share their color with you. We've had two days of rain here in the desert and in our mountains and I could sure use some color! Today's Flowers for November 13, 2011. All photos taken at the Desert springs Marriott in Palm Desert, CA. And, you notice that they all have a bee in them except the top one! I honestly don't remember the bees, but they sure must have been out that day! To visit Today's Flowers, please go to: http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Red rose~Today's Flowers and SOOC Sunday~103011

2011-10-29T20:19:00.000-07:00

This beautiful, red rose was down at our local park. I stopped by this morning to take some photos for the Sunday Stills Challenge and I walked over to the rose garden. The sprinklers had just gone off and drops of water were on the roses. I may return tomorrow morning for another look! Today's Flowers and SOOC Sunday for October 30, 2011. To see Today's Flowers, please go to: http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/ To visit SOOC Sunday, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com/

Yellow Roses~Mellow Yellow Monday~October 17, 2011

2011-10-17T05:21:00.000-07:00

Aren't they gorgeous? These yellow roses were blooming last weekend. There isn't much blooming right now, but these roses are in full bloom. Mellow Yellow Monday for October 17, 2011. No, these are NOT my roses! I can't seem to grow roses at all~To view Mellow Yellow Monday, please go to: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Roses~Today's Flowers~101611

2011-10-16T06:25:00.000-07:00

There aren't many flowers growing now. We are between growing seasons. I just planted a wildflower mixture in my front yard, along my neighbor's fence and the seeds have just sprouted. It will be months before there is anything to photograph there. I did, however, find these roses up at the horse ranch where I board my horses. Aren't they gorgeous? I'm glad they are blooming! Today's Flowers for October 16, 2011. The maples and aspen up there are turning yellow and I'll be going back next weekend to see their colors.

Bougenvilla in the afternoon~Today's Flowers~100911

2011-10-08T19:40:00.000-07:00

You know, it's nice to be HOME for the weekend. We've been gone for the last 3 weekends and I finally got to sit down and watch the birds at the feeders today and wander around my yard! I just planted my area of desert wildflowers and I'm watering it daily. Our bougenvillas are in bloom again and I caught this one today. Today's Flowers for Sunday, October 9, 2011.

My neighbor's rose~Saturday Flowers~100811

2011-10-08T05:01:00.000-07:00

My neighbor is a landscaper and she has the most beautiful garden. She has a corner lot and when she moved in, she put an olive tree right in the middle of it and then planted flowers around it. She has roses along her driveway and last weekend I wandered over with my camera. This summer, as most summers, was pretty harsh on her plants, except for her black-eyed Susans and roses. Isn't this one beautiful? Look how delicate the petals are. I've tried to grow roses for 30 years and I finally just gave up. My parents had a beautiful rose garden which my father enhanced with trailer loads of horse manure, but I can't grow a single rose! Go figure...sigh...Saturday Flowers for 100811. I guess I'll just have to enjoy my neighbor's roses! To visit Flowers on Saturday, please go to: http://blueberrycraftandhobbytime.blogspot.com/

Pretty flowers~Mellow Yellow Monday~100311

2011-10-02T19:01:00.000-07:00

I wandered over to my neighbor's yard this morning and found these pretty flowers. I raked my front planting area this morning and we might have rain Wednesday and/or Thursday down here, so I need to sow my wildflower seeds before the rain comes. So, I'll probably be out there tomorrow afternoon and Tuesday afternoon. Last year I had California poppies, African daisies, desert lupine, and some other flowers which I didn't even know. I noticed that my neighbor was out pulling some of these out this afternoon, so I'm glad she allowed me to take photos this morning! Mellow Yellow Monday for October 3, 2011. To visit Mellow Yellow Monday, please go to: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Water droplets~Sunday stills Challenge~100211

2011-10-02T08:56:00.000-07:00

Water drops on my bougenvilla. It has some pink blossoms, but it was too dark to see them this morning, so I may go out later. Sunday Stills Challenge 100211. http://sundaystills.wordpress.com/

Colorful flowers, Arizona~Garden Bloggers Bloom Day~091511

2011-09-15T05:55:00.000-07:00

Fall in the desert southwest is different than most parts of the country. Here in the Coachella Valley, August is a time for the fields to lie fallow. I took these photos over in Arizona in August. I honestly don't know what this plant is~can somebody please tell me? I liked how it curved over. The bees certainly liked it, too! Garden Bloggers Bloom Day for September 15, 2011. If you want to stop by GBBD, please go to: http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/

Dragon's teeth? ~Sunday stills Challenge~081411

2011-08-14T08:55:00.000-07:00

No, just the pointy spines on an agave! But, don't they look like dragon's teeth? I just love these! I found these on my morning walk at the Marriott Desert Ridge villas. There were quail, cottontails, doves, and cactus wrens out and about at dawn this morning. It was a nice walk then. I went out again about 8:00 a.m. and it was so hot and sticky and HUMID that I came back to our room completely soaked with perspiration!!! Sunday Stills Challenge for August 14, 2011.

Mexican Bird of Paradise~Today's Flowers~072411

2011-07-24T05:11:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I are over in Arizona this weekend, in Scottsdale. We decided to get out of our desert and go sit in a hotel in another one! I know that sounds crazy, but we both needed a change of scenery. So, yesterday morning I marched out with my camera to take some photos of the area next to the pool which is below our room. It was hot by 9:00 a.m. and I wasn't outside long...just long enough to snap a couple of quick photos! This is a Mexican bird of paradise bush. We have them in our desert, too, but I haven't stopped to take any photos of them this summer. Aren't they gorgeous? I have some in my yard, but mine are pure yellow. These are very hardy bushes and they propagate easily. I like the multicolored ones better! Today's Flowers for July 24, 2011. To visit Today's Flowers, please go to: http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Camelback Resort flowers~Today's Flowers~060511

2011-06-05T05:08:00.000-07:00

I took an early morning walk one morning over at Camelback Resort, in Scottsdale, Arizona and stopped to admire one of their planters. Aren't they pretty? Today's Flowers for June 5, 2011.

After the sprinklers came on~Today's Flowers~052911

2011-05-29T08:57:00.000-07:00

These flowers are NOT in my garden. Instead, I found them at the Marriott's Camelback Inn and Resort. I had driven over there yesterday morning to do my morning walk (i.e. "death march") at 5:00 a.m. I did my walk (hike) and was busy taking photos when, all of a sudden, my camera wouldn't click...that means only one thing...a DEAD BATTERY! I was at the top of the resort. My car was safely parked at the parking lot at the bottom of the resort, so off I went. Upon inserting a new battery, I walked back to the top and found these flowers which had been recently watered by their watering system. They were covered with water droplets and I just had to take pics of them! Today's Flowers for May 29, 2011. To see other gardens, please go to: http://flowersfromtoday.blogspot.com/

Sunflowers and Black Eyed Susans planted!

2011-05-16T17:38:00.001-07:00

I planted more sunflower seeds and black eyed susans today. I had watered a sunny area next to our neighbor's block fence and decided to plant them there, since we will be able to see them from the house. I hope they grow and grow and grow! They'll also be a food source for the birds which visit our back yard! I'm thinking about planting other seeds along that fence, since it travels the entire length of our back yard. **NOT MY PHOTO***

Joe's Farm Grill and community gardens, Arizona

2011-05-15T06:11:00.000-07:00

So, last Thursday afternoon, after a grueling day at school, hubby announced we would be going to Arizona for the weekend "to relax". Huh? Relax? I get up at 5:00 every morning, go for a walk, and then complete my day. His idea of relaxing is to go somewhere and sit in the hotel room ALL DAY. (not my idea of relaxing...) But, FINALLY yesterday, we hit the road and drove over to Joe's Grill which is...I don't know where it is! Somewhere near Gilbert, Arizona...anyway, while he stood in line to order our food, I wandered across the street to the community gardens. Oh, MY! Those folks must use a LOT of fertilizer! Their sunflowers were HUGE! Their hollyhocks were HUGE! I did notice that they had a compost pile and used alfalfa around their plants...hmmm....I have TONS of horse manure (from my 5 horses...)...guess I'll have to start putting it around my plants! Just LOOK at these flowers! I'm SO JEALOUS! I must admit that I was in awe of their gardens! I REALLY need to rethink mine now! If you want to visit Joe's website, here's the link: http://joesfarmgrill.com/

Playing with Picasa

2011-05-09T17:48:00.001-07:00

Okay. I admit it. I don't usually alter my photos, except to maybe crop them. I'm a "purist". I don't have Photoshop on my laptop. I don't even know how to use it. I do have Picasa, but I only use it to crop photos. I haven't experimented with any of its settings. But, tonight, however, I experimented with its black & white setting...

What do you think? Eh? Nah?

This is an agave bloom which I found up in the mountains, on my way to visit my horses at the ranch where I board them. The agaves are blooming now and I LOVE to stop and see them! They are so beautiful in color...do you like them in black and white?

Please let me know. I did use the "sharpen" feature on the top photo and just the black and white feature on the middle one. The bottom one is my original photo, uncropped.

Thank you for your comments!

Garden Gates 050811 ~ SOOC Sunday

2011-05-08T10:08:00.001-07:00

I drove around town this morning trying to get photos of doors for the Sunday stills Challenge this week. However, many homes here in the desert have gates and I couldn't even see their house doors! But, aren't these beautiful? I just HAD to share them (BIG SMILE)...My own gate is hideous and I'm NOT posting a photo of it...I'm so embarassed. Oh, well...it's functional and it keeps strangers out (along with our 3 big dogs!). Anyway, enjoy the tour. I'll go out again and try to get more garden gate photos later. Straight Out of the Camera Sunday for May 8, 2011. To see other participants in SOOC, please go to: http://www.murrieta365.com

My garden flowers~Sunday stills Challenge~April 24, 2011

2011-04-24T03:19:00.000-07:00

I actually took these photos last weekend, before we left for our trip to the Sierras. Now, it is covered with the little red flowers and more California poppies. I'll have to go out this afternoon and take some photos! All of these flowers were from a wildflower packet that I picked up at Lowe's last fall. I raked a sunny area between our driveway and our neighbor's fence, scattered the seeds, watered them, and now am enjoying their beauty! I think they were about $4.00 for a whole packet of seeds. I think I'll do this again next year! Sunday Stills Challenge for April 24, 2011.

Desert Lupine~Sunday Stills Challenge~032711

2011-03-27T13:28:00.000-07:00

I have one desert lupine in my front yard and I'm enjoying watching it grow and open buds of the flowers. I took this photo yesterday. Isn't it beautiful? I'm really enjoying learning how to take macro photos! :0-)

My African Daisies~Today's Flowers, 032611

2011-03-26T17:04:00.001-07:00

These are my African daisies, which I planted out front by the street. They spill over into the street, and they get full sunlight all day. I'm guessing they only have a couple of weeks left before I'll have to pull them out and mow them down. But, I'm collecting the dried seeds so I'll have them for next fall! Today's Flowers for March 26, 2011.

Purple snail vine

2011-03-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

One of the blossoms on my snail vine. These vines grow quickly here in our desert. One year I had one growing out front, up one of our posts, onto the patio roof. I enjoyed watching them hang down and provide filtered light for the porch. Unfortunately, our STUPID DOGS dug it up and I just haven't replanted anything in its spot (I'm STILL fuming at them!)...:-( I haven't noticed any fragrance on these, but they are such prolific growers and do so well here in the desert that I don't mind if they don't smell.

Sunflower~Today's Flowers~032011

2011-03-20T09:24:00.001-07:00

One of my sunflowers! HOWEVER, I think that's either a small green WORM on it, or part of an acacia leaf, so I'm heading back out to take a closer look! Something has been eating the leaves on my sunflowers and if it's one of these little guys, he can go find another plant to chew on! Today's Flowers for March 20, 2011.

Snapdragons~Today's Flowers 030611

2011-03-06T06:23:00.000-08:00

Aren't these beautiful? I stopped at our daughter's house and the snapdragons were planted out by their gate to the development. I couldn't help but stop and admire them. What vibrant colors! Just in time for spring, don't you think? I'll plant some snaps in my garden next fall. Today's Flowers for March 6, 2011.

Two bees~"Doubles"~Thematic Photographic challenge 030511

2011-03-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

Two bees were out busily buzzing around my sunflowers this morning, so I went inside and got my tripod. It was amazing to watch them! One bee was so overloaded with nectar that he could barely fly! They doubled up on this one sunflower, but soon split up and went to other ones, although I did notice they each visited each other's flowers! I'm glad I had the opportunity to watch them. "Doubles"~Thematic Photographic Challenge for March 5, 2011.

Dutch iris~Today's Flowers 022711

2011-02-27T05:59:00.000-08:00

No, this isn't from my garden, but it is from my neighbor's. She's a professional landscaper and I LOVE to wander over to her yard to practice my photography skills (or lack thereof...)! She always has something over there which I don't have in my limited planting area and these irises were blooming the other day and the sun was out, so off I went! She doesn't mind me invading her front garden and we talk a lot about planting, seeds, and what grows in the desert. Today's Flowers for Sunday, February 27, 2011. I hope this brings a little bit of sunshine and warmth to your part of the world! Thank you for all who commented that these, indeed, were Dutch irises! I really didn't know WHAT they were, but I certainly do enjoy looking at them!

Lily~Macro Flower Saturday~022611

2011-02-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I went to Home Depot today and while he was looking at his stuff, I wandered around through the garden center. I found some lillies and stopped to look at them. Macro Flower Saturday for February 26, 2011. Photo taken with my little Nikon Coolpix. For other participants, please visit: Macro Flower Saturday

"F"~ABC Wednesday 022311

2011-02-22T18:17:00.000-08:00

And, "f" is for flowers. Lots and lots of FLOWERS! I found these at my local Lowe's and couldn't resist taking pics! Hehehehehehehe! Enjoy the FLOWERS! ABC Wednesday for February 22, 2011. Please visit: http://abcwednesdayround3.blogspot.com/

Iceland poppies~Macro Flowers Saturday 021911

2011-02-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

No, these aren't my Iceland poppies! :-( They belong to my neighbor, who is a landscaper. )Sometimes, however, I sneak over into her yard and take pics of HER flowers! (tee hee!). We're good friends and neighbors, so she doesn't mind! I thought I'd also sneak a photo of her front yard, so you can view it. Isn't it beautiful? Macro Flowers Saturday for February 18, 2011. To view other participants, please visit: http://macroflower-saturday.blogspot.com/

Sunflowers~Finally~Today's Flowers 021311

2011-02-13T06:38:00.000-08:00

A couple of my sunflowers are now in full bloom and since I didn't go visit my horses yesterday, I stayed home all day. I'm still recovering from the bronchitis I recently had in December and my energy level is still low. So, I stayed home and puttered around. The bottom photo is showing the fence along the west side of our front yard. The sunflowers get full sun all day except for the afternoon. NONE of the ones I planted in last year's space sprouted, so I'm thankful that I found a new spot for them. Once they are done, I think I'll plant some tithonia.

Today's Flowers for February 13, 2011.

Yellow blossoms~Mellow Yellow Monday 01311

2011-01-30T18:55:00.001-08:00

I went to my local shopping center yesterday afternoon and spotted these beautiful, yellow blossoms on several plants in a planter there. I stopped to take a closer look. I had my camera with me because I'd just returned from working with my horses. Aren't they beautiful? Our warm weather, after our December rains, has the desert blooming already. However, it could be a bad allergy season this Spring for those of us who have hayfever! Mellow Yellow Monday for January 30, 2011. To see more yellow entries, please visit: http://mellowyellowmonday.blogspot.com/

Hong Kong orchid tree~Today's Flowers 012911

2011-01-30T07:29:00.000-08:00

While this isn't a flower, it is a blossom on a Hong Kong orchid tree which stands at my school. I pass by this tree every day and I usually don't notice it. That is, until its blossoms open up! Then, I stop to look at them, observe them, and admire them! With our recent warm weather, this tree is now blooming and I'm anxious to watch the blooms unfold. Today's Flowers for January 29, 2011. Oh, and these trees do well in our desert, so I'm going to look for one to add to my front yard!

Fairy duster~Ruby Red Tuesday 012511

2011-01-25T03:55:00.000-08:00

Several fairy dusters were already blooming when hubby and I visited the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert on Sunday. They are such interesting shrubs! As our weather continues to warm (it should be 77 degrees here today!), more of them will open up and bloom. Ruby Tuesday for January 25, 2011.

First sunflower~ Macro Monday and Today's Flowers 012411

2011-01-23T18:27:00.000-08:00

My first sunflower of this season opened up a couple of days ago and I ran out this afternoon to take some photos of it. And, look who was already busy at work? Can you see the bee inside it? I'm so happy because these sunflowers, which I planted on my west fence, have taken a real beating from a windstorm a few weeks ago. In fact, I lost two of them...:-(... But, the rest have survived, including this one, which actually got twisted in the wind and now isn't straight up, but it curves! Well, at least it survived! Macro Monday and Today's Flowers for January 24, 2011. To visit Lisa at Macro Monday, please go to: http://lisaschaos.com/

White rose~Weekly Color 122210

2010-12-22T05:24:00.000-08:00

I found this gorgeous white rose at the Los Angeles County Arboretum during one of our visits there. Weekly Color, "white", for December 22, 2010. To visit other participants in Weekly Color, please visit: http://livingtakestalent.blogspot.com/

Mountain nursery~Mellow Yellow Monday 122010

2010-12-19T17:56:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I like to stop at a little nursery up in our local mountains. I bought my flowering peach there last year and I've watched it grow and change colors and lose its leaves. This was the display there about Halloween time. It's a fun place to visit and I enjoy just wandering around and asking lots of questions! Mellow Yellow for Monday, December 20, 2010.

My BURPEE sweet peas have arrived!

2010-12-19T05:14:00.000-08:00

Yes, they've arrived and I've soaked them overnight, so today I'll plant them. A few (a VERY few) of the Ferry Morse (WHATEVER...) ones finally sprouted, but not enough to fill 100 feet of chain link fence, so I'll plant these BURPEE ones in the missing spots. With a weather forecast of rain (on and off) for the next four days, this will be a good time to plant them here in the desert. Wish me luck!

Sunflowers

2010-12-05T05:45:00.000-08:00

My sunflowers and California poppies are coming along just fine. My STUPID sweet pea seeds, however, are DUDS and I'll NEVER buy from Ferry Morse again! I ordered 6 packs from Burpee this week and they should arrive here next week and I'll have to replant them! I also bought 3 more packages of sunflower seeds and I may plant them along the back fence, with the sweet peas, and maybe the peas will grow up the sunflowers? Has anybody done this? These were my sweet peas from last March. And, yes, these were BURPEE seeds!

My sweet peas didn't germinate! ACK! Frustration rant!

2010-12-03T05:52:00.000-08:00

I was in a hurry this year to buy and plant my sweet pea seeds and NOBODY down here in the desert had Burpee ones, so I bought Ferry Morse. BIG MISTAKE! I planted 12 packets of them and NOT ONE BLOOMIN' SEED has sprouted! Can you believe it???? I was talking about this at school the other day and a fellow teacher told me he had purchased Ferry Morse seeds, too, and NONE of his sprouted either! What's WRONG with Ferry Morse seeds? So, this morning, I sat down and ordered 6 packets from Burpee, through Amazon.com. They should be here in about a week, and once I plant them, they will sprout in 7-10 days. I'll NEVER buy Ferry Morse seeds again, PERIOD!!!!!!!

My blooming bougenvillas~Today's Flowers 112810

2010-11-28T14:22:00.001-08:00

I took these photos of the bougenvilla which is inside my gate and which has climbed up and over our 6 foot wooden fence. The sunlight was hitting the blossoms just right and I had to stop and admire them. Today's Flowers for November 28, 2010.

The status of my garden 11/25/2010

2010-11-27T06:12:00.000-08:00

My sunflowers have sprouted and are growing, my California poppies have sprouted and are growing...life is GOOD! I soaked my sweet peas last week and planted them, then forgot to water them for 2 days, and they are NOT coming up...sigh...I'll keep checking on them. I may have to replant all of them. DARN!

My seeds are coming up!

2010-10-31T06:25:00.001-07:00

Yes, my seeds have sprouted and, if my neighbors don' t trespass and spray ROUNDUP on them, I'll have African Daisies and a few sunflowers next spring! I threw out my daisy seeds from last spring and there were some sunflower seeds in the ground, which have now sprouted! I'm so excited!!!!!!!

Rethinking my garden plans 102410

2010-10-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

I'm rethinking my plans for my gardens this fall. I WILL plant my sweet peas in the back yard, along the 6' high chain link fence which divides our back yard in half. (Half of it is for the dogs). But, I'm NOT planting sunflowers along the street fence, like I've done for the last two years. Instead, I threw out African daisy seeds (no California poppy seeds this year). But, I do have an east-facing fence between me and my neighbor which now gets full sun until late afternoon! She was kind enough to ask me if it was okay to trim back one of the shrubs which was there (and was growing over her side of the fence)...so I said okay and now I have a whole other location to plant seeds! So, yesterday I planted my sunflower seeds along that fence, along with the California poppies. I also had two packages of Texas Bluebells that I planted there, so I'll see if they sprout this year! We had quite a bit of rain last week and the ground is still soaked, so the seeds should sprout quickly as it is warming up now. I'll continue to water these newly-planted seeds and I hope by next Spring I'll have photos to share with you!

Wild sunflower, Lone Pine, CA~Today's Flowers 102410

2010-10-24T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hubby and I drove up to the Sierras last weekend and we stopped near the Alabama Hills of Lone Pine to take some photos. There are always wild sunflowers growing there and I especially liked this one! There is a cow pasture behind them, but these grow wild along the roadway. Today's Flowers for October 24, 2010. Oops! For some reason, I'm getting a message that Today's Flowers is "for invited bloggers ONLY" and is closed! Can anybody help me? I'm getting this message: "This blog is open to invited readers only."

One of the last roses before winter~Today's Flowers 101010

2010-10-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

I board my 5 rescue horses up in our local mountains, out away from the desert heat. They are well into their autumn season and I found this yellow rose on one of their roses bushes. There were three more buds on this rose bush, but soon they'll go dormant for the winter. I better enjoy this beauty while I can!!! Their maple trees already have yellow leaves. Today's Flowers for October 10, 2010.

Yellow rose~End of summer~Today's Flowers 091910

2010-09-19T06:37:00.001-07:00

Summer is beginning to wind down here in the desert and we should only have a couple more days of triple digit temperatures. By Tuesday, it will only be 99 degrees here! YIPPIE! So, yesterday morning, I took a walk around the horse ranch where I board my horses. It is up in our local mountains, at 4,000 feet. All the horses are beginning to get their winter coats already! The maple trees are starting to get yellow leaves. And, the roses bushes, which bloomed all summer, and winding down. But, this yellow one was in full bloom yesterday and I stopped to admire it. Today's Flowers for September 19, 2010.

Yellow mums~Mellow Yellow Monday 091310

2010-09-13T02:49:00.000-07:00

I went to Lowe's this week to check out their fall flowers. They still have many summer ones like zinnas and portulaca. But, they also had these colorful mums. It is still too hot to plant them here (it was 100 degrees here yesterday), but soon our days will cool down and our nights, too. Then desert gardeners can plant these in their gardens. I remember how my grandfather loved his "mums". Mellow Yellow Monday for September 13, 2010.

Sunflower in the morning~Today's Flowers 091210

2010-09-12T05:14:00.000-07:00

This morning I'm going back through my photo archives and I found this one. I'd nearly forgotten about it and the others I took of my sunflower garden last January. I had gone out very early one morning and I had to use a flash on it. But, I like the color and you can see the background of the wooden fence behind it. Today's Flowers for September 12, 2010.

Dried agave blossom~Today's Flowers 081510

2010-08-15T07:24:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy walking in the morning up at the Santa Rosa Mountains Visitor Center. One morning, they had these agave blossoms leaning against a wall and I stopped to observe them. The agaves have already bloomed and there are many dried ones along our local mountains and highways. I took a close look at one of them. Isn't it interesting? Today's Flowers for Sunday, August 15, 2010.

Wild sunflowers~Today's Flowers 080810

2010-08-08T05:30:00.000-07:00

A friend and I stopped on the road to Warner Springs yesterday at an old stage coach stop and I saw these wild sunflowers. These grow all around the Coachella Valley and up in our local mountains. I have stopped a few times to pull off the seeds and planted them in my yard, but I've only had 1 plant actually grow. So, I guess I'll continue to admire them in their natural habitat! They are smaller than commercially grown sunflowers, like the mammoth, and have many flowers on a stem. There are some growing right now down by my school and I may investigate them further! Today's Flowers for August 8, 2010.

Desert Willow~Today's Flowers August 1, 2010

2010-08-01T11:38:00.001-07:00

Our desert willows are now blooming here in the desert. While my own plant is just a baby, these mature ones are up at the Santa Rosa Mountains Visitor Center. I walked by this one this morning and took these photos. Desert willows are fairly common here in our desert. While its leaves are long and slender like a willow, it is actually a member of the catalpa family. Bees enjoy visiting the blossoms and they were busy this morning! Today's Flowers for August 1, 2010.

Cosmos~Sunday stills Challenge 071810 and Today's Flowers

2010-07-18T07:05:00.000-07:00

Cosmos always mean "summer" to me. They are such delightfully beautiful flowers! I didn't have any seeds to plant here in the desert this summer, but I found these up at Simi Winery in the Dry Creek Valley of northern California. I mean, who can resist their cheerfulness? Next year I'll reserve a space in my garden for some cosmos. Sunday Stills Challenge and Today's Flowers for July 18, 2010.

Smoke tree blossoms~Today's Flowers 062710

2010-06-27T08:17:00.000-07:00

The smoke trees here in our valley are blooming right now and I stopped one afternoon last week to take some photos of them. The usually-gray trees and now covered with dark blue flowers. And, these flowers attract hundreds of bees! I could hardly get close enough to take the close-up photos! ACK! As I recall, they do not bloom for very long, so I'm glad I stopped to take these pics. Today's Flowers for June 27, 2010.

Red and Orange Bird of Paradise and blue sky~Sky Watch Friday 062510

2010-06-24T16:36:00.001-07:00

These flowers aren't in my garden. While I DO have some, they aren't blooming right now. These belong to a neighbor and while I was out and around the other day, I stopped to take some pics of them. Aren't they pretty against our blue sky? SkyWatch Friday for June 25, 2010.

Orange flowers~Today's Flowers 061310

2010-06-13T05:41:00.000-07:00

These flowers are growing in our daughter's neighborhood and yesterday I was able to finally take a photo of them. I don't know the name of them, but butterflies seem to like them! Today's Flowers for June 13, 2010.

Rose in Lone Pine, CA~Today's Flowers 060510

2010-06-05T13:21:00.000-07:00

No, not my rose. As you know, I CANNOT grow roses! But, I admire them and this one, with others, was growing steadily in Lone Pine, CA. Today's Flowers for 060510.

Welcome to the garden center~Windows and Doors, Too~052710

2010-05-27T05:15:00.000-07:00

I love this door. It is the door for one of the entrances of the garden center at the Living Desert Reserve. From here, you walk through a little water garden (yes, in the desert!) and then you enter the garden center. It's always shady and cool here, which is a welcome relief on our hot, summer days! Windows and Doors, Too! for May 27, 2010.

Branches~That's My World 052510

2010-05-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

As I wandered around the Living Desert on Saturday morning, I couldn't help but notice how green all the trees were! I took these two photos of the new growth on a couple of them. That's My World for Tuesday, May 25, 2010.

More flowers from my neighbor's garden~Mellow Yellow Monday 052310

2010-05-23T17:56:00.000-07:00

I wandered over to my neighbor's front yard (she is a professional landscaper) and found these delightful yellow flowers. I'm not sure what they are, but they are in full bloom right now. Mellow Yellow Monday for May 23, 2010.

Roses next door~Today's Flowers 052210

2010-05-22T20:33:00.000-07:00

As I stood waiting for my aunt and uncle this morning, I wandered over to my neighbor's yard to see her roses. Aren't they beautiful? These are roses that do well in the desert! Such beautiful colors! I wish I could grow roses, but every bush I have planted has died. My parents had beautiful, healthy roses bushes, but I simply cannot grow them! So, I admire hers! Today's Flowers for May 22, 2010.

Cholla blossoms~Macro Monday 051710

2010-05-17T05:02:00.000-07:00

I got up close and personal with this cholla cactus when I saw a cactus wren leave its nest in it. Believe me, no creature is going to mess with these spikes! The little blossoms hadn't opened yet and I would like to keep an eye on them and see them when they open up! Macro Monday for May 17, 2010.

Roses at the Ranch~Today's Flowers 051610

2010-05-16T06:09:00.000-07:00

First of all, let me tell you that these are NOT my roses. Oh, no! I've killed every rose bush that I have planted in the last 35 years! No, no, no! For some reason, I can't grow roses. My parents could. They had BEAUTIFUL ones! My neighbor can. She has beautiful ones. My school can. They have beautiful ones. But not me. Period. So, I have to enjoy others' roses. These are in full bloom right now up at the ranch. I'm sure they, like my parents, put tons of horse manure on them (there are, after all, over 20 horses on the ranch!) And, look at that blue sky! Ahhhhh....a warm day, the fragrance of roses, being with my horses...what else could I want? Today's Flowers for May 16, 2010.

Heat and my sweet peas

2010-05-12T05:11:00.000-07:00

Well, last week's heat has finally pretty much done-in my sweet peas. I picked the last full bunch of them Sunday and took them over to my aunt for Mother's Day. She and my uncle just bought a new house in Sun City, Indio. They sold their house in Rancho Bernardo and moved to the desert. We are all glad to have them nearby as they are both in their 80's, but still pretty active! Anyway, my grandfather used to grow BEAUTIFUL, full, vibrant sweet peas and this is the first year in nearly 30 years that I've had a decent spot to grow mine. I tried growing them on chicken wire, but they never thrived like this year's crop. These are on my chain link fence out in the back yard. I soaked the seeds overnight before I planted them and they immediately sprouted and grew! I'm going to pull them up this Sunday, since I have to stay home all day as my aunt and uncle are sending their new bed over and they bought separate twin beds! So, I have to be home to answer the door when our son-in-law and a friend deliver the bed. I'm thinking about planting some cosmos seeds along this fence for summer and I may stop at Lowe's today after school to check out other summer seeds. Good -bye sweet peas! They have put nitrogen into the soil and have completed their cycle. Now it is time to plant something else in their place. I will miss their beauty and fragrance. We could all smell the last batch that I picked Sunday and took over to my aunt's house. I LOVE sweet peas!

Visitor center red~Ruby Tuesday 051110

2010-05-11T05:18:00.001-07:00

I don't know what these are, but these red blossoms were at the Palm Desert visitor center. I stopped by there one morning and admired them and some of the cacti there. Ruby Tuesday for Tuesday, May 11, 2010.

My sweet peas in full bloom~050910

2010-05-07T17:33:00.000-07:00

My sweet peas are now past their prime. I took these photos about 10 days ago. We've had days of 90 degrees plus heat, so they are quickly drying out and going to seed. This year's crop was really an experimental one, since we got the fence put up last fall to keep the dogs from running all over our yard. We have a 6' chain link fence down one side of our yard, about 100 feet long. Our son put it in for us. I have planted sunflowers on a couple of sections, African daisies and California poppies on the section nearest the gate, and my sweet peas in the middle sections. The sweet peas are very special to me as my late grandfather used to plant them in his garden and ours. He was an old Kansas farmer with a VERY green thumb. His sweet peas were gorgeous, healthy, and very thick. I think he mixed horse manure in the soil (I have PLENTY of that, with 5 horses!)...This is the first crop to EVER come close to his typical crops! I am going to have to pull them out shortly (this will break my heart!), but I have some cosmos seeds and some Tithonia seeds to plant in their place and since sweet peas put nitrogen into the soil, the latter seeds should do very well. Ahhh....they will have done their job! I am collecting the seeds and I plan on planting them next December, and once again delight in their beauty and their sweet fragrance! And, if you are wondering, yes, I DID soak them overnight and I did throw some horse manure on them! Brenda's Photo Challenge and Today's Flowers for May 8, 2010.

Almond blossoms~Today's Flowers 041810

2010-04-18T06:30:00.000-07:00

There are four almond trees up at the ranch where I board my horses. Two of them have white blossoms and the other two have pink ones. They only bloom for a short while, so, last month, while they were in full bloom, I walked down to take these photos of them. The ranch owner told me that last year, they had a good crop until a strong wind came by and knocked all the almonds off the trees. Another year, they had a really, strong, hard, late frost. Maybe this year? Today's Flowers for April 18, 2010.

Bougenvillas~Today's Flowers 040410 and Bloomin' Tuesday

2010-04-04T05:01:00.000-07:00

Two of my bougenvillas are in full bloom right now, my purple one and one of my red ones. I love how the red one cascades over my front fence! When I pull in the driveway every afternoon, it greets me! I planted them several years ago right next to the fence there and now I have two of the red ones that have grown up and over the fence. Bougenvillas grow extremely well here in our desert heat. In fact, they LOVE the heat! I planted the purple one right next to one of the posts on our patio, and it has now grown up the post. Today's Flowers for April 4, 2010.

sweet peas~Today's Flowers 032710

2010-03-27T07:13:00.000-07:00

My sweet peas have now started to grow and bloom. Some are over 7 feet tall! They are all growing along our 6' chain link fence, which serves as a dog run to keep our two dogs from going over by our neighbors, who don't appreciate them! The neighbors were supposed to take down their aging, sagging wooden fence and put up a brick wall, so we installed the chain link fence to keep the dogs safe while they started their work. They never did. I kind of like having most of our yard now "dog free". It has given me the opportunity to plant seeds along the chain link fence, like my sweet peas. I glanced out yesterday and noticed there were quite a few of them, enough for a cut bouquet, so out I went, armed with my scissors! And, here they are in their bouquet!

Butterfly garden~Think Green Thursday 031810

2010-03-19T05:45:00.000-07:00

The Living Desert Reserve, in Palm Desert, CA has a butterfly garden and I love to wander through it and see the butterflies. I stopped by yesterday afternoon (after school) for my second visit. I like it there because it's cool and there are so many beautiful flowers for the butterflies! And, there are LOTS of butterflies! There are also several hummingbird pairs and I'm going to try to get a decent picture of one of the little fellows! They have color charts to that you can identify the fliers (of course, I didn't have one yesterday) and that will be my next goal. Aren't they all beautiful? Think Green Thursday for March 18, 2010.

My Sweet Peas~Today's Flowers 031410

2010-03-14T07:02:00.000-07:00

My sweet peas are blooming! These are the ones I planted in December, all along my chain link fence in our back yard. I FINALLY have a good place for them to grow! I've tried places in the front yard, but none of them got enough sunlight for the sweet peas to grow. Here, along the fence, out back, they get full sun ALL DAY! YEAH! Some are nearly 5 feet tall! I've already done two cuttings and more blossoms are on the way. I'd like to get some horse manure from the ranch and spread it along them, but maybe I'll wait until next year to do that. In the meantime, their fragrance fills my kitchen! Today's Flowers for March 14, 2010.

Broccoli crop~Think Green Thursday 031010

2010-03-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

I went home through the fields a couple of days ago. These fields are near my school where I teach and I see them every morning on my way to work. I never seem to have time in the mornings to stop and look at what's growing, so after school on Tuesday, I drove out to investigate the fields. This large one had a crop of broccoli which had been recently harvested. The tractor was out there plowing the crop under. If I remember correctly, they will soon plant corn on this field and it will yield two crops of corn over the spring and summer. It's interesting to see how the crops change over the seasons here in our desert southwest. With a 365 day growing season, yes, different crops are planted throughout the year on the same field. In winter, farmers grow cool season crops like onions, peppers, lettuce, or broccoli (I could REALLY smell the broccoli after they harvested it and when the tractor was turning the crop under!!!) And, once our warm weather starts, like now, farmers will start planting the warm season crops like corn and beans and squash and melons. Think Green Thursday for March 10, 2010.

Window Views and Doors, Too~030310

2010-03-03T17:09:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I have been members of the Living Desert Reserve in Palm Desert now for ...let's see...over 31 years. I was pregnant with our daughter when we first became members and she is now 31, almost 32 years old! We have watched it grow and expand and add many, many new animals. I have always loved their garden center and every time I go, I have to wander through it and look at all the plants! This door into the garden center has always been a relaxing place for me. It is so quiet and shady! Window Views and Doors, Too for March 3, 2010. For other participants, please visit: http://windowviews2.blogspot.com/

"F" is for FLOWERS~ ABC Wednesday 022410

2010-02-23T18:12:00.000-08:00

No, these are not my gardens and they are not in my yard. Rather, I found them at the entrance to our daughter's house. It had rained the night before and early that morning, so there was still water clinging to them. Aren't they beautiful flowers? ABC Wednesday for February 24, 2010.

Garden update~Sunday Stills Challenge 022110~Today's Flowers

2010-02-21T11:49:00.000-08:00

I went outside this morning to my front garden and took these photos of my sunflowers. I love early morning light. Look at the shadows! These must be a different variety of sunflower seed, since last year I had mammoth 7 foot fall flowers! These are shorter and the leaves curl, not at all like last spring's sunflowers! Sunday Stills Challenge and Today's Flowers for February 22, 2010.

Sunflowers and raindrops~MacroMonday 020810

2010-02-08T05:13:00.001-08:00

We had rain again here in the desert Friday night and on and off all day Saturday. Earlier in the week, I had gone out and taken the photo of the bee on one of my sunflowers out front. Saturday morning, with the newest round of rain, most of the sunflowers were leaning over from the rain! So, I decided to take some macro shots anyway. We hardly ever get this much rain here in the desert. We've already exceeded our yearly rainfall total and it's only February! But, the sunflowers seem to bounce back after the rain! Macro Monday for Februry 8, 2010.

After the rain~Today's Flowers, February 6, 2010

2010-02-06T12:07:00.001-08:00

I went out after the rain this morning and stopped at our daughter's house. I spotted these petunias and stopped to take a photo of them. Today's Flowers for Saturday, February 6, 2010.

"C"~~ABC Wednesday, February 3, 2010

2010-02-03T05:12:00.000-08:00

"C" is for California poppies. Last year I broadcast seeds out in front, where I had planted my African daisies. The poppies bloomed and bloomed and bloomed and I was hoping that they went to seed, but it appears they did not. I replanted them in December and they haven't opened up yet, but the African daisies have. ABC Wednesday for February 2, 2010.

My sunflowers~Today's Flowers 013010, Mellow Yellow Monday

2010-01-30T06:16:00.000-08:00

I planted these sunflower seeds in my front yard in early December. Here in our desert, we have a 365 day growing season and I wanted to see if I could get two crops of them before mid-summer. It looks like that is possible, since these are already blooming and it's only the end of January! They aren't as tall as last year's crop, which towered over 7 feet! But, I LOVE their color! Today's Flowers for January 30, 2010.

California poppy and spider~Macro Monday 011810

2010-01-18T06:24:00.000-08:00

During one trip to Paso Robles, we stopped at Tablas Creek Vineyards. They had some California poppies growing out by the parking lot and I wandered over to take a look. I didn't even see the spider until we got home and uploaded the pics, but it works for Macro Monday today! Bugs and plants!

Pansies~Today's Flowers 011710~Sunday Stills Challenge

2010-01-17T06:58:00.001-08:00

I LOVE pansies! I love their beautiful colors and they always bring a smile to my face. I mean, who can resist their charm? Today's Flowers and Sunday Stills Challenge for January 17, 2010

sunflower update 011410

2010-01-14T17:14:00.000-08:00

I currently have one sunflower that has opened its flower and several more which are ready to open! I'm so excited!!! Sunflowers in January! That means after these grow and bloom, I can clean them out and plant Tithonias in the same spot, for some summer color! But, for now, I'm going to enjoy my sunflowers!!! To see other gardens and flowers, please visit: http://www.maydreamsgardens.com/

Sunday Stills Challenge~garden~Favorite Photos 2009 and Today's Flowers

2010-01-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

My two favorite photos from my garden? Oh, my! I have so many! I love my header, and that sunflower was from last year's crop, so I'll hunt for two different photos! Here goes! I like the bottom photo because it shows my front fence, bougenvilla, gate, and the shadows that fall upon it. And, the top photo shows my African daisies from last spring. I've replanted them and they are sprouting, especially now that we are having days here in the desert in the 70's! Sunday Stills Challenge and Today's Flowers for January 10, 2010.

Ocotillos~SkyWatch Friday 010810

2010-01-08T04:53:00.001-08:00

Ocotillos grow naturally here in the desert southwest and I found these in our nearby hills. I went for a walk on New Year's Day and saw these. Hummingbirds like to alight in them and when it gets warm, they will be covered with green leaves and their red blossoms will open, but for now, they stand stark against the morning sky. SkyWatch Friday for January 8, 2010.

Smoke Trees~That's My World 010510

2010-01-05T05:31:00.000-08:00

My dad was always fascinated by smoke trees and I guess I've inherited his curiosity. While we don't have any in our yard, they are often spotted out in the desert, along the sandy washes. A lot of water is required to scratch their seeds so that they can sprout. That's why they are found in and near washes. And, their roots go far down into the sandy soil! In spring, when it is warm, they are covered with purple blossoms, but now they stand starkly against a blue sky. That's My World for Tuesday, January 5, 2010.

Desert garden~Today's Flowers 010310

2010-01-03T08:05:00.000-08:00

No, these aren't in my garden. They are in my neighbor's garden. She's a landscaper. I love to wander over to her yard, camera in hand. Aren't they colorful? Today's Flowers for Sunday, January 3, 2010.

The status of my garden 123001

2009-12-31T05:48:00.000-08:00

My sunflowers are GROWING and growing! Look how tall they are! And, I also have California poppies and African daisies sprouting and growing out front. This area gets full sun and is right up against our front fence. Out back, the sweet peas are growing up our chain link fence. I also planted some other seeds there and they are coming up. I constantly have to weed this area as many weeds are enjoying the water and fertilizer! HA! The neighborhood scrub blue jay is still around. I saw him out front yesterday morning (I feed the birds out there...) AND I saw a mountain woodpecker! That's two mountain birds down here in our desert! I know it was a mountain woodpecker because I've seen them up in our local mountains! What is going on? Have a safe, happy, and enjoyable NEW YEAR!

Red berries~Ruby Tuesday 122909

2009-12-29T07:10:00.001-08:00

From yesterday's yellow Chinaberries, to red berries today for Ruby Tuesday! These were found up at the ranch where I board my horses in our local mountains near Palm Springs, CA. Ruby Tuesday for December 29, 2009.

Mellow Yellow Monday 122809~Chinaberry berries

2009-12-28T07:31:00.000-08:00

I've been experimenting with the macro setting on my camera lately. These are Chinaberry tree berries, which are still hanging on the tree. In spring, mockingbirds will eat these berries. HOWEVER, they are toxic to pets and livestock! The birds do LOVE the berries. We also have a tree in our backyard, but our tree still has its leaves. Our pets have never bothered the berries, but mockingbirds sure LOVE them! This tree is up in our local mountains, where I board my 5 horses. Mellow Yellow Monday for December 28, 2009.

Cacti~Today's Flowers 122709

2009-12-27T10:11:00.001-08:00

We don't have many natural flowers blooming here in our desert right now, but I found these cacti in our archives. Something different! Today's Flowers for December 27, 2009.

"W" is for...ABC Wednesday 12 23 09

2009-12-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

wings. And, here are two very different examples of wings, from the small hummingbird to the big black bird. Both photos were taken at the Living Desert Reserve here in Palm Desert, CA. ABC Wednesday for December 23, 2009.

Ruby Tuesday~Candy Canes 122209

2009-12-22T05:25:00.000-08:00

I spotted this house with candy cane lights over the weekend when hubby and I were out for a walk and couldn't resist taking a picture of it. Ruby Tuesday for December 22, 2009. For other Ruby Tuesday entries, please visit: http://workofthepoet.blogspot.com/