Awash With Wonder

After having a serious talk with my Doc about my health and the Oprah Winfrey weight fluctations, I felt the need for a power walk. During the summer I am locked up most of the day due to the heat from outside.  But lately our monsoon storms have brought us lots and lots of rain here....and cooler temps.

So I took a walk near our running washes that were flowing like a real river does everywhere else!!  It was like being back home in Wisconsin.  We have life giving water again!

Ceraunus Blue (Hemiargus ceraunus)

And it is sure reflected in the wildlife around the area. Of course so is the human trash.  Seriously, look at the pic below.  What in the world is a queen size mattress doing in this wash??!!!  Unbelievable.

But it was a gorgeous day to be outside and go for a hike.  Speaking of hikes, I'll be out of town this weekend on a major one.  If you don't hear from me during the next couple days, you'll know why.  I'm going on another major adventure to Portal, AZ.  I'm hoping it's as epic as birders claim:)

With all this water comes some major wildlife and garden revelations.  You are about to witness over the next several weeks some of my finds.  The animals, birds, bugs, plants etc will be showcased sometimes individually as they will be a first for this blog and I like to build a base on desert vocabulary:)

A river runs through the Old Pueblo and I challenged myself by only bringing my short lens which made me angry about the picture below.....

This is a new bird species below at the tip of this mini island in the wash.  It appears to be a Sandpiper of some kind but I'll never know:)

And the Desert Willow is outstanding this time of year putting forth its second round of flowers.  This tree or shrub prefer our washes and grows almost like a weed around them.  Of course there were plenty of Costa's Hummingbirds around them as they are a favorite for hummers.

And the Lesser Goldfinches!!!  There were so many flying around the area.  Again the short lens was used so that's as far as I could get:)

 Over the next couple days, I hope to wrap up my Chuparosa Challenge for the year and again, I do apologize if I'm not able to blog a couple days.  Doctor's orders:) I'll be putting on jeans and boots as I try and get some important shots.

 But I leave you for now with these happy wet desert images of our monsoon season. And of course, more tomorrow....

Las Flores Rosadas

The Desert Willow at El Presidio

Lots of brilliant pink flowers in the Gardens of El Presidio!

The Guava has produced several blossoms.

Spring has finally arrived!

The Desert Willow

The Desert Willow or also known as the Desert Catalpa

Light.  Airy.  Breezy.  Fern-like.  This Desert Willow tree is near a Jacaranda tree at El Presidio in the fern garden. Remember how I posted this morning about finding plants that are similiar to some of your favorites from back home?  Well the fern is a favorite plant of mine, but unfortuneatly the variety that I love doesn't grow well here in Tucson.  I did some research at the garden centers and discovered this plant to achieve the look I wanted in the side fern garden.   This popular Tucson tree grows all over town as either a tree or bush.  In the warmer months of May and June, the tree begins to put out beautiful pink flowers that attract hummingbirds. If you're a purist for native plants, this is one to put into your landscape. This tree can reach a height of 30 feet if given the proper room.  It is a moderate growing tree that loses its' leaves in winter.  I have two growing on the property that are making their way up to the sky.  This is a drought tolerant plant and listed as "fast growing".  However, I disagree with that listing as it has grown moderately for me over the past 3 years.  This tree needs bright and hot sun.  Do not plant in shade.  It should be planted on the Southern or Western exposures of your home.  I water this plant once a week in the summer, but make sure you don't overwater.  It has an open branch structure that allows air to pass.  This tree needs very little pruning and it best left to develop its' spacious canopy. If you want a tree to succeed, plant the Desert Willow.  Tomorrow's post is a Sonoran Desert question that many gardeners ask.  Stay tuned for more on trees for Tucson......