a few more signs of spring from the last few days

[Kali]

cactus (hedgehog)




calves




guajilla (aka fairduster)




ocotillo buds




and finally, an exotic - my first hibiscus bloom of the year - after grasshopper defoliated my plant last fall, spending the winter indoors, then going through several more down-to-freezing nights with a sheet for cover.

[rug]

1. The greenery is just busting out.

[Kali]

5. it IS!!!

[CaliforniaPeggy]

2. Those are very pretty, Kali...

I'm especially taken with the cow and calf pic!

[Kali]

6. thanks, Peggy

I need to take some more, there are a pile of babies running around now.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

8. Those would be great!

I hope you have time to take some more.

[Sekhmets Daughter]

3. Love the fairduster!

I'm in FL, Hibiscus grows almost like weeds here...but they can take a fair amount of abuse. Yours looks like it has recovered nicely.

[Kali]

7. have you ever made Jamaica from the blossoms?

I can buy the dried ones but it would be fun to make some homemade - I can't figure out when they are supposed to be picked, though. before or after the blossom opens?

[Sekhmets Daughter]

19. After the blossom opens....

I've never made it, but I have a friend who makes it herself. She uses the fresh flowers that come from her shrubs. I've never had any made from dried Hibiscus flowers so I can't compare the flavor or intensity. She picked the blossoms as soon as they opened, supposedly they only last 24 hours...but here in south FL, in the right conditions they often last longer.

[OffWithTheirHeads]

4. Two doors down from my new house yesterday

[Kali]

9. wow those are gorgeous!

I think I may have seen that cactus in the wild in Baja this past February. Reminds me I have more of those pix I wanted to post.

[OhioChick]

10. Very pretty

Thanks for sharing.

Unfortunately, we have nothing in full bloom here yet, but hopefully soon!

[Kali]

11. thanks

our real wildflower season is in August and September unless we get good fall and winter rains - then there are some things that bloom in the spring (lots more in the lower deserts) but April and May are always good for cactus and yuccas.

[OhioChick]

12. I'm jealous

I opened the blinds the other morning and it was snowing.

At least tomorrow it's supposed to 70. It's been too long a Winter here.

[Kali]

14. we had freezing temps just a couple nights ago

I am still worried about my apricots, but tonight it must be 70 still

[fizzgig]

13. i don't know if anything here is blooming

there's another four inches of snow on the ground

[Kali]

15. maybe some bulbs? daffodils or tulips or something?

I would really prefer the moisture of 4 inches of snow! it is going to be really dry from now until July, I bet.

[Common Sense Party]

16. We're still waiting for Spring here.

[Kali]

17. my next stage is waiting for summer rain

[LeftofObama]

18. Beautiful pics!

I lived in AZ for 2 years. I don't miss the people, but I sure do miss the weather!

[In_The_Wind]

20. I love your photos Kali.

Cactus flowers are so beautiful among the thorns.

My Hibiscus plants winter over inside. They bloom all winter.

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My new bulbs at the new house. Spring 2013

[Demoiselle]

21. What a beautiful place is Arizona!

Thank you, Kali.
The Hibiscus is beautiful too.