Flowers and Blooms

I skipped writing yesterday because writing about some other aspect of gardening has become tedious for me!  I live in the Valley of the Sun - which is also known as the desert.  Growing plants and flowers is a difficult and consuming chore here, and takes up a lot of resources, especially during our very hot summer months.  

One of the ways to combat that, of course, is to grow what's native here.  For me, I really enjoy growing cactus -  it's amazing that these somewhat not so good-looking spine covered things can bloom.  But don't blink!  Because most cactus blooms only last about 24 hours!  They open with the morning sun, and close up when the sun goes down.  And if you're at work, you will have missed it!  But it doesn't keep me from trying! 

And along with cactus, I also collect rocks.  I like to pick up a rock when I'm out hiking.  Usually it's no bigger than my fist, but I have on occasion gotten some that were large and heavy.  And it can't be just any rock!  There needs to be something unique about them, perhaps a kind of striation, or maybe they're of a certain color.  I have plenty of rocks in my backyard!  And I'll probably add more before it's "complete".  haha

But that doesn't mean I don't like flowers.  When I lived in Ohio, planting tulip and daffodil bulbs in the fall, and watching them burst forth in spring time -- that was the best!  I had about 50 feet along the side of the house and I would load them up with bulbs, just so that I could be amazed come spring time!    And when I lived in California, helping Mom grown her roses was also a fun thing.  She had three that were my favorites: Mr. Lincoln, Peace and Brass Band.   There were others, but these three stand out for me.   Once I started working, just up the road was a small roadside stand where a little Japanese couple sold their flowers.  I  bought 3 carnations every Monday to keep on my desk during the week.   

Flowers bring people a lot of pleasure!   "Just living is not enough ... one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower." wrote Hans Christian Andersen.  And I think we would all agree with that.  I like having flowers around me, they make me smile!