Dan and I agree that yardwork is vastly different here in the Sonoran Desert than anywhere either of us have ever lived. We have pea gravel sized rocks and desert sand instead of grass under our feet. Landscaping is really rock-scaping, with cacti and only-the-hearty survive plant cultivation. Our desert oasis is a work in progress, but it’s getting there!
From partially productive leafy green to wind-blown desert dust, our veggie, flower, and herb gardens croaked when the triple digits persisted for months. We planted too late both times we have stayed through an entire year here in Quartzsite. Both times, we hadn’t planned to stay, but chose to bloom where we were planted. Or at least give it our best shot.
We have had mixed results. We have learned much and have fed ourselves here and there. We are grateful for the triumphs, like this wee one who could, and did.
This little cactus-tot was the one I was talking about in the video, not the one I pointed out. Here is how it looks (on the left), one year and two months later. It’s nice when they take hold and become little sovereign beings. The bougainvilleas leave behind pretty yard debris.
We have really enjoyed watching new life spring from fallen cactus pads. We have little nurseries all over the place.
The tallest cactus in our driveway towers over our place and our neighbor Tammy’s place as well. This grandfather cactus is a Ficus-Indica, commonly known as the Indian or Barbary Fig, a variety of prickly pear cactus. With centuries of documented use by indigenous cultures, this cactus produces one of the most flavorful fruits, called tunas, of all the fruit producing cacti. The wee tot grew from a pad that was pruned from this elderly fellow. I know, I just can’t keep that man off the roof.
And the blossoms! 💗 Showy, to say the very least.
Ours is full of bees, Gila woodpeckers, and a cacophony of birds feasting on the ripe fruit. We also feasted on some recently and will report that they are seedy, but delicious. With a flavor between an apple and a pear, they have more of a ripe pear texture. They don’t get as red as some of the others, especially before they get nabbed. Still, these were ripe and tasty at a blush hue.
Our driveway is full of both crunchy, prickly, and squishy remains. We pick up this many mostly eaten fruit once or twice a day.
This little guy was found under a rock. He was still so cool that he made feel giddy. I am just that kinda girl, I guess.
We don’t have to mow our yard, but there is maintenance to do, just like at any other home. We can’t wait for the fall, when we will really be able to enjoy the yard again as the weather cools down. Our plan B casa has served us well. This post is for Shanana Rain Bear, because I promised her that this one would be next. Happy weekend, y’all!
Blessings to all,
Brenda Cordray
“The Desert Rose”
There's Still Yardwork