My father is in town right now and it has been very busy. But as many of you know, Tucson had a huge snow storm come our way. In fact, it was the first big one I've ever seen here.
Tucson gardeners must wait until March 15th to prune their plants back because of strange weather events like this one. While it didn't freeze here, the snow did kill some leaves back.
I was tired of bringing my big camera. So instead, I used my cell phone to get these shots. We headed over to Saguaro National Park and drove the 9 mile loop stopping every once and awhile for some lovely views.
Of course, I blame my Dad for bringing this weather with him from Wisconsin. But then again, it was nice to have a snow day:)
People often ask me why Saguaros stop growing at a certain altitude on our mountains. It's as if there was an invisible line that said, "No Saguaros beyond this point!" Here's the reason. Saguaros can handle some snow but they can't endure long freezes. Now we do get to freezing temps here in the desert during our winter but not long enough to harm this cactus. Long sustained freezes, however, are another story. And that's why Saguaro stop growing after a certain point on our mountains. Too cold.
But the snow would come and go on this day of winter magic.
But remember, don't prune your plants back yet Tucson! You must wait:) I know you're dying to do it. I know I am......but spring is just around the corner and March will be here soon enough. Which of course means.....wildflower season, hummingbirds, butterflies, the dry heat??!! Well, let's not rush it. Stay warm:) Until next time.....
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That looks as if it caused some excitement.
ReplyDeleteWhat an amazing sight to have snow in the desert and on the saguaros. Sounds like you've had a wonderful visit with your Dad. Tipping one back for you all. :)
ReplyDeleteSnow on cacti looks BIZARRE! Then again, snow on almost anything looks bizarre given we are in an end-of-summer heatwave downunder ... I'd give anything for naturally cool temperatures!! So enjoy it while it lasts!!
ReplyDeleteVery cool. The weather has anti-birding consequences of course, but man what a day that was.
ReplyDeleteHolaaaa... Qué bonito el contraste con la nieve.. Un saludo
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos Chris - really love the sixth one down :) Never expected to see snow in Tucson. Hope your dad enjoys his stay with you.
ReplyDeleteHi Chris, lovely snowy scenes from Tucson. It nice to share the snow with you there, we are having more rain here lately. The cactus look cool with a little snow. I am sure your Dad was looking forward to some nice warm weather and not bringing the snow with him. Great shots, have a happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteFunny to see the "short sleeves" with snow behind!
ReplyDeleteYou must feel lucky for the "no freeze" that's how we learnt not to plant ficus trees in Chandler a couple of years ago...Enjoy your dad's visit.
Truly amazing plants!
ReplyDeleteGreat snowy Sonoran scenes! You Wisconsinites look comfortable dressed like that, too.
ReplyDeletePruning - yes, wait!. Where it's much colder here, I pruned some branches on some 2-3 year old mesquites...it was late Feb. In March, some of the young branches turned orange, a sure sign on that species something died. In late April while leafing out, most every branch pruned died; the others lived, but were stressed.
So nice that your dad came for a visit. I know you enjoyed that along with the snow, ;-). Your cell phone did a great job with the photos.
ReplyDeletenever seen snow on a cactus
ReplyDeletewaving to your wisconsin dad from an old wisconsinite in texas. :)
ReplyDeletei bet you thought the snow was neat, but he didn't!
I was so hoping to see this. Snow on the cactus. Thanks for the winter shots. Excellent!!
ReplyDeleteHello to your dad! Nice to have the snow day for a little tour. Cacti look so interesting with snow on them.
ReplyDeleteHow neat,Chris... So glad that your Dad came to visit and that you and Michael could enjoy showing him the sights... So glad you got some snow... Makes for some fabulous photos.
ReplyDeleteThanks for telling us about the Saguaros and why they stop growing... Interesting...
Love that photo with the sunbeams.. WOW..
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy
Fun to see snow in Arizona, I think I saw it twice while I lived there!
ReplyDeleteCrazy stuff with the cactus in snow, Chris. You've captured it with some great images. I guess you'll be looking at these in wonderment for years to come!
ReplyDeleteFabulous snow shots, Chris! How nice for your Dad to be here and see the snow on cactus instead of trees. :-) It was so wonderful, but I got only a few shots with the manual camera of actual snow laying on anything. It was almost gone by the time we got out in it!
ReplyDeleteI meant to add, I am embarrassed to admit I've never eaten at the Blue Willow! I really hope to though. You weren't the only commentor who said they love it!
ReplyDeleteEspecially hands off when it comes to Bougainvillea , they are super sensitive.
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Snow and desert seem a complete contradiction in terms Chris and as others have said snow on cacti...really weird! Your Dad looks like he is enjoying his visit :-) Great photos as always.
ReplyDeleteThose are great shots! I recently read that a good photographer should get good shots with any device and you certainly prove that point. I hear you on getting tired of carrying the big camera.
ReplyDeleteWe heard about the snow and I was glad to see it through your lens. We also have to wait for March 15th to cut back which is difficult this year as the new shoots have outgrown the old wood.
How cool to see snow on the cactus! A sight not seen very often! Hope your dad had a great visit!
ReplyDeleteZobaczyliście śnieg, który u nas już prawie trzy miesiące leży :)
ReplyDeleteSnow seen that with us for almost three months is :)
Your Iphone takes really great photos! But I think the user has a lot to do with it. LOL I heard about all your snow, really crazy. Hope a lot of succulents weren't damaged!
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