Tag Archives: cholla cactus

Botanical Desert Of The Southwest

Posted on April 7, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

April 7, 2026

Having recently been to places that are not in the North Texas Hardiness Growing zone (8a/ 8b), I’ve come to appreciate plants that are not usually grown here.  The region of Phoenix (9a), located in the Sonoran desert, provided an opportunity to experience a very different variety of plants and trees.  

During late March the streets were lined with yellow blooms on medium sized trees.  These are known as Yellow Palo Verde Trees.  A blue variety also exists, but yellow ones were most common. These trees are located in The Sonoran desert,  Southwestern US and in Northwest Mexico.

 Yellow Palo Verde tree at entrance of Desert Botanical Garden along with Yuccas, Cacti  and even some Chihuly glass sculptures. 

The Desert Botanical Garden was in bloom around every corner.  Here are a few of the blooms and interesting specimens.  The red rosettes of baja fairy duster, Calliandra Californica, were beautiful against the feathery fernlike leaves which close at night. 

Baha Fairy Duster

 Several varieties of the hedgehog cactus sported different color blooms.  This one caught my eye and is suited to zones 5-9 in North and Central America.

Echinocereus coccineas or Hedgehog cactus with fuchsia blooms 

 

Pilo cereus leucocephalus, while not blooming, shimmered in the fading light of day

However, there are some plants that we have adapted to our landscape due to their drought tolerant nature.  The yucca being one.  The Scientific and common name is the same. With over 50 species, The range of  the Yuccas extend from Southern Canada through North America and down to Panama. 

Yucca in Bloom Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

These pictures were all taken at the Botanical Desert of the Southwest in Phoenix.  https://dbg.org

Starla Willis. Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011

A few more prickly facts about Texas cacti here.

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Capturing Garden Photos during The Golden Hour

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Dallas Garden Buzz

April 2, 2026

Fading sun behind a series of cacti-Echinocereus, with the prickly Cylindopuntia,known as cholla, and a saguaro behind that

It’s special when you find yourself in the right place at the right time.   The “Golden “ or “magic” hour is often that  for photographers and for those that are blown away by the beauty that is experienced during that time.  The few minutes around sunrise, and then yet again just before and shortly after sunset is known as the golden hour.  

Recently, a trip found us in the air chasing the sunset.  Upon landing the sun was just setting and it created some interesting shots reminding me of how the angle of the light changes the pictures taken during what is known as the golden hour. 

Arriving during the golden hour at Sky Harbor Airport, Phoenix
now on the tram to the car rental center
Streets of Phoenix

During the rest of the day, the shining sun can create situations where the lighting is very harsh.  But during the golden hours, the light softens the subjects and creates a warm look.  The natural light is easier to work with because the light is more even than at midday.  The low angle nearer the horizon creates a softer look with the golden hue.   

During these times, the constant changing of the light creates ever changing scenes and scenarios and there is a greater opportunity for creative effects to be used.  Backlighting, silhouettes, and side lighting can bring interest to the photos.  Some people plan  carefully  for specific pictures during this time, but for others, the spontaneity of the moment creates magical shots.  

For this trip, every evening brought different opportunities. Initially, the interest was the sunset and ever changing ground and sky in the plane and on the ground;  the second day  found us at the Botanical Garden of the Desert, which softened even the most prickly cactus, and lastly, golden hour was observed at a baseball game complete with palm trees and a pink and orange sky.  Each different, each unique, and mesmerizing.  

Close-up of the prickly Cylindropuntia, common name Chollas, native to Northern Mexico and the Southwest United States
Beautiful Palms in the setting sun at spring training at The American Family Fields, Phoenix Arizona

But you don’t have to be on vacation to experience this phenomenon – it could occur on your way to work, or as you travel home and it may not always be welcomed especially when the rising or setting sun is directly in your line of view.  Embrace and Enjoy  the beauty of this magical time when it appears. 

Starla Willis, Dallas County Master Gardener Class of 2011 

Desert Botanical Garden in Pheonix

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Garden Bloggers Fling Day 1 and Stop 1

Posted on May 31, 2018 by Dallas Garden Buzz

A rainy view of the entrance to Lady Bird Johnson Wildlife Center.”My special cause, the one that alerts my interest and quickens the pace of my life, is to preserve the wildflowers and native plants that define the regions of our land — to encourage and promote their use in appropriate areas, and thus help pass on to generations in waiting the quiet joys and satisfactions I have known since my childhood.”

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was our first stop on Friday. As we gathered for the group picture, they mentioned that rain was headed our way.  Being a native Texan, I should have heeded the warning when I heard “squall line”, but I was intent on seeing the treasures that awaited us.

Even in the rain, the cholla in the demonstration garden beckoned. It’s magenta blooms caught my eye through the stone window.

Cholla cactus blooms

  It began to sprinkle -colorful ponchos dotted the gardens and then it started to rain, then it began to go sideways, so we scurried to find shelter. It didn’t take long to realize that the elements were winning, but so was the garden – the much needed rain was a welcome sight, even though it came torrentially.

A caterpillar sighting lured some of us out of the stone alcove, but the elements were getting the upper hand –everything was soaked-our pictures were blurred , cameras were malfunctioning…

We retreated to the main entrance where we sought refuge under the eaves and ultimately in the gift shop. A beautiful bouquet of wildflowers brightened our dampened spirits (pun intended) in the restroom.

As we left, the sound of the stone cistern filling up was music to the ears. Even though it was a wash in some ways, it wasn’t all for naught.  It’s not often you get to see Lady Bird Wildflower Center through the rain.

Starla Willis

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