Superbloom on Peridot Mesa

Fifteen years ago I flew my whole family to Los Angeles to see the superbloom that occurred that year (as it is currently experiencing), and I have a host of pictures from that time. I've also seen the Chihuahuan desert during a very wet monsoon in 1978 (October) when the Samalayuca sand dunes were in full glory. But despite a dozen visits to Arizona over the decades, this is the first time I managed to hit the Sonoran desert just right. There are glorious patches of color here and there around Phoenix, but certain locales ae especially showy. Jan Emming (flower guru of Arizona) suggested the Peridot mesa--and he was right!

The mesa was covered with a blanket of orange poppies (Eschscholtzia californica) and in the distance the flats were yellow with a crucifer, which I believe is a Lesquerella (which I hate to lump into Physaria.)




There were Brilliant pink-purple patches of the brilliant annual Castilleja excerta in many areas to leaven the orangy yellow of the poppies.

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There are several species of lupine in the Sonoran--I believe this was L. sparsiflora--which often made solid patches of blue as well as mixing with the poppies.

And of course we perversely look for "the white one"!

Dichelostemma capitatum

A special treat for me was finding "blue dicks" (yes, that's their common name) all over the mesa--with great color variation. I'm fond of bulbs, and this is one that could be a good garden plant I think.

Here's a soft blue form.

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And a pale blue that was almost white.

Phacelia crenulata

I wasn't even going to even try and figure out which of the dozens of Southwestern Phacelia, but Google came through for me this one time! This is one of our largest and showiest little known natives--some of which thrive in gardens.

The contrast of colorful nearby vignettes with distant peaks (some dusted with snow) was entrancing. I basked several hours (and took way too many pictures) in the glory. Almost the only other flower peepers with the local Apaches out picnicing and enjoying their ancestral lands.

I was delighted to find the very lovely Erodium texanum which has a huge range in the Southwest deserts. I love this genus, although my affection is tempered by E. cicutarium--one of my worst weeds!

I found this perfect mound of a composite, which I believe we grow at Denver Botanic Gardens. Forgot the name--will add it later...

Arctostaphylos pungens

And Manzanitas! A. pungens was found at slightly higher elevations on the pass near Globe. Still very hot in summer and dry. How do these Ericaceae manage here?

What looked like a white Lesquerella on the pass...

I was startled to find what I believe is Lotus wrightii, which grows right around Denver as well! A plant I would love to grow. The Great Plains share many plants with the Sonoran desert!

Anmd there were dense patches of Sphaeralcea in many areas, I'm not venturing a guess on species--just too many to pick from hereabouts.

 

Canyons along the pass on the way back to Phoenix had gorgeous Platanus arizonica, a gorgeous tree we even grow at Denver Botanic Gardens!

Proof positive I was there! No...it's not exactly a "selfie"--I do have ten second delay on my camera. My arms aren't that long....

And then a rainbow came out--perfect end to a dazzling day! How lucky we are to be graced with such a diverse and fantastic planet. I feel so privileged to have traveled so much, and grateful for all Denver Botanic Gardens has done for me, personally. And for the stand we take for the appreciation and preservation of Natural beauty.

Petals in the snow...

Eranthus hyemalis

  Of course it's cheating just a tad, since most of these flowers were blooming before the last "bomb cyclone" (as the slow news cycle called it--anything to keep people glued to the tube!). Certainly these winter aconites were out, but even a dab of snow in the bacvkground enhances the impact of delicate yellow petal in a cruel world!

Crocus sieberi

 I have to say, however, that I don't remember a single crocus blooming in this spot before aforesaid "cyclone bomb" dropped about 8" of wet snow on us...I think they may have actually come up through the snow!

Galanthus nivalis 'Viidapice'

 But snowdrops have been blooming since January. 30" of snow in February slowed them down, and they're still going strong!

I divided my biggest clump of Christmas rose last year, and re-established the pieces in pots planted out in the fall. I'm thrilled that every piece not only established but each clump (like this one) has produced a few flowers to boot!

Adonis amurensis

 The queen of the winter garden, however, is Adonis amurensis, which was also in full bloom in January...and looks particularly fetching coming up through the snow. I had a single clump I've been dividing, and the divisions even manage to bloom pretty well.

This is my biggest clump, that will also likely come under the knife this year--gotta keep those babies coming alone!

I end with my most pristine clump freshly emerged from snow. Those delicate petals coming through 14F the night before last and not much warmer last night: how do they do it? They're the bomb, that's how!

First flowers

Adonis amurensis

 The adonis really was ther first flower this year. It opened in late January...

Adonis amurensis

Well over 30" of snow has ensued since it first opened its flwoers--and it  waited patiently: today, all my clumps are blooming. If one is good, surely ten are better?

Galanthus elwesii *Don Hackenberry form'

 There were a few snowdrops in January as well--but this is probably their peak season this week. All are fresh and most are blooming.

Galanthus nivalis 'Viridapice'

 The British and a few Americans swoon and collect every one they can. I'm waiting till they have enough to share.

Iris x reticulata 'Blue Note

 What I can't resist are Alan Mcmurrie's amazing irises. I can't get enough of them!

Iris x 'Northern Sun'

 Although I grow this, mine can't begin to compare with this wonderful climp in the gem of a rock garden at Chatfield Farms: Denver's ex-urban station....or more accurately put: our FUTURE!!!

Crocus ancyrensis

 None of my crocuses compare to the giant clumps in Mike Kintgen's buffalo grass: drove by today--glad he tolerates my snooping!

Crocus sieberi 'Bowle's White'

But I AM growing the loveliest white one!

Eranthis hyemalis

Another naturalizing bulb one can never have enough of...Well, that's it for now. I have a hunch these will be joined with a dozen more species each few days henceforward for months!