You know, after saying I was going to post 4 times a week, I don't think that I actually have done so. This last break was partially self-imposed (work) and partially technical difficulties (Internet down, again!). But this past weekend I had the time to go on a "gardening binge", and get back out there. Spring really does seem like it's here.
One of the unique signs of spring being here are these: - the Joshua trees are blooming!
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| Joshua Tree in full flowering |
To get Joshua trees to flower, there needs to be the right combination of water, cold and time. Apparently, this winter was the right combination:
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| These weren't quite open yet, but they were big |
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| Flowers against the blue sky |
Joshua tree flowers are pollinated by a specific moth. I didn't see any of them on this day. The flowers only open at night. Depending on who you talk to, they either smell like nothing, melted wax, or really bad.
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| Flower detail |
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| Flower details |
In this picture, you can see some of the left over bloom stalks. The way Joshua trees grow their branches has to do with their flowers. Once a branch blooms, it splits in two (or more) and continues to grow, until it flowers again. This makes for very interesting tree shapes:
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| Looking up at the tree |
There are trees blooming over the city. Yet another sign that Spring is finally here. I really hope it stays!
Oh yeah, #1 and #5 photos stunning in the mood.! I need to scam on our's here (planted, none wild!), usually starting by now. Back to my next post I'm now 18 hours late on...
ReplyDeleteThose are so nice, I don't think I've seen the blooms close up to see how large they are.
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