With lots of rainfall over the winter, Arizona is experiencing a grand blossoming. I love it when the cacti bloom. The contrast between the prickly texture of the paddles against the soft, yet obscene blossoms make this time of year a treat. Here are some of my favorite shots. Which one do you like best?
Cindy Bruchman 
I never imagined cacti could be so beautiful. Fuschia and Yellow is my favourite of this bunch.
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Hi Paul, Crazy, right? All the extra rain helped bring out these enormous blooms. They make all the rose bushes pale by comparison.
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I like them all!
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Thanks, Fraggle. Me, too! I’ve never seen them so so eager to show off.
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They are all lovely but I prefer the fuchsia and yellow.
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Exotic colors for one plant, I thought.
Thank you for casting your vote, John.
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Because I cannot ever see a cactus like these, let alone one in bloom, (unless I fly to somewhere that they grow) I love them all. I remember choosing cactus shots from your previous selections. If I lived where you do, I think I would have them in my garden!
Best wishes, Pete.
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Yes, you are apt to select the cacti shots. Fine by me! No one would bother them, that’s for sure. They are amazing creatures. The paddle (Nopales) ones have a “prickly pear” juice that has kept many cowboys and Indians alive when alone in the desert. We have rock gardens, very few of us have grass. (Imagine never having to mow!) So the cacti along the border lines or showcasing the front yard are conversation starters, especially during the blooming season. They grow to a huge size, too. The size of bushes and some like a tree. I’m glad you liked them, Pete.
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Rain in the desert, what will Mother Nature come up with next?! 🙂 She does know how to create beauty, eh?!!
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Aren’t they something, GP? Jaw dropping, up close. You’d never think such beauty existed inside the inhospitable exterior until the colors pop out like a magic trick.
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I know what you mean, I’ve been meaning to get some cacti for my area – would work better in the heat than some of my plants.
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The heat they’d love, I wonder if you have too much moisture in Florida? You should plant one and see what happens. The prickly thorns will deter anyone from entering a yard!
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It has been a spectacular visual feast for everyone in the western US thanks to the crazy rain we had this winter…we drove out to the poppy fields and it is a sea of color….good to hear from you!
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Hiya John. Yes, I bet CA is beautiful this year, too. This must be our seven year color explosion I have heard about since I transplanted here 5 years ago.
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It’s been an amazing year in weather…we needed it!
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the most interesting pictures you’ve done! I love them all.
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Thanks, Nancy. I have never seen such a variety of colors come out of the cacti since I’ve been here.
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Lovely pictures of Cacti flowering, the yellow paddle in the sun is especially nice, but they all have such striking colors that make them stand out 🙂
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Thanks, Paul. I agree! This year is a special year for blooms because we’ve had rain like it in England. The cacti are bursting with colors.
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I bet, if they’ve had a lot of rain, that will make them bloom with color. Beautiful picture as always 🙂
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I too love those cactus blooms. Lovely collection of photos.
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Thanks, Ingrid! I was at the right place at the right time. 🙂
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Full many a blossom was born to blush unseen and waste it’s sweet breath upon the desert air: Thomas Grey
Thanks Cindy for sharing this beautiful, but quickly over, desert event.
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Thanks for sharing the line by T. Grey. Perfect!
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And even among the pin pricks of life there is beauty Cindy. 🙂
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I love the ironies of life. Cacti are great example.
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These are lovely. I think it’s number 5 for me.
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Hi Abbi. Thank you! I swear I didn’t touch a one, but I’ve been pulling out needles that somehow attached themselves to me. I look like I’ve had acupuncture. The yellow one was bright in the setting sun. I liked the polka dots clustered on the paddles. That was a bush about five feet tall.
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Lovely pictures of Cacti flowering!
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Welcome, and thank you!
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The last shot is my favourite. It has an abundance of lovely colour.
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Hi, Vinnieh! Thanks, I appreciate your vote.
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I love your photography posts.
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I appreciate that. They are fun and fast to do. I’m still writing a lot and hope to get back to blogging full time again soon.
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I love all your work.
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I liked the three ladies and the sherbet tips, Cindy! You were most kind to share these stunning cacti flowers with us. Smiles, Robin xo
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Hi Robin! Thanks for the kind words.
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You always have great posts, Cindy. Spring through Fall are such fun (grandies) and hectic (work) seasons! Everyone’s working on their cars hence auto parts rolling out at work. . . Enjoy your nature’s beauty out there!
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You, too, Robin. 🙂
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I cannot believe how fast weekends go and how slow weekdays pass by. Take it easy!
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Beautiful!! Reminds me of the tagline from a 1969 classic, – ‘Cactus Flower’ Has Flower Power !!!!
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Thanks, Nuwansen! 🙂
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I had to look at this again. Those are truly awesome.
I gotta get a better camera.
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It lasted for a week. I am glad I was at the right spot at the right r
Time.
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Sitting in the Tampa airport and just saw this. Thank you, Ruth. Glad to hear an update about your project.
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Gorgeous pictures…
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Welcome! Thank you for saying so. These prickly beasts have great beauty.
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No.1
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