Friday, March 14, 2008

A GREEN PALETTE ADVENTURE

"When Easterners finally make their way out to Arizona, they don't know what to do with those wide open space." - Mark Twain

MARCH IS COOL GREEN Thinking of green, what comes to mind are the myriads giant cactus's that I saw during our many past trips to Phoenix, Arizona. Cactus is an American desert plant with thick, fleshy, prickly stems, generally no leaves but frequently producing showy flowers. They come in different green hues and shades. CACTUS IS HEAVY WEIGHT As shown on the above photo. This is not plastic but real cactus loaded on a car. Don't try to do this! Better rent a truck to transplant a huge cactus.THE DESSERT BOTANICAL GARDEN This is located in Papagayo Park in Phoenix, Arizona. Arizona is a wide open space. Today, Phoenix has many skyscrapers but what makes it more interesting are the many desert gardens around. This is one of the beautiful and interesting desert garden that we saw. It has huge collections of cactus's in different heights and sizes. AN ELF VERSUS A GIANT CACTUS I am petite and happy with my height. I am almost five feet so standing beside a giant cactus, makes me look like an elf. This magnificent tall and huge cactus is almost as high as the nearby palms.
CACTUS, FUN AND ROCK MUSIC This garden is not a tranquil place for meditation. But it was fun visiting and strolling through the cactus garden while we listened to loud rock concert along the winding path ways and up and down the stairways.
RHOD AND GOLIATH SAGUARO This giant saguaro is only found here in the Arizona desert.
ANOTHER VIEW OF GIANT CACTUS With little purple cactus below. CHARMING CACTUS Seeing and playing among real and giant cactus is very interesting thing to do. It's worth spending our time and money here. FAVORITE SUBJECT TO PAINT A cactus is one of my favorite desert plants. They thrive easily. When I go on vacation, I don't worry about them because they are low maintenance. At home most of my cactus are made of plastic. They are made so realistically. Many of my friends couldn't tell if they are fake. I only have one huge real cactus by the dining area. One time a friend touched it but was pricked. She thought it was fake.
I love to paint all cactus's from the smallest to the largest. I will be posting some cactus paintings in next blog. Today Arizona has many wide open space. Will my future art studio find its way there someday? Who knows?

19 comments:

SandyCarlson said...

Those cacti are very beautiful. I never thought about what they must weigh until I read your post.

God bless.

Ebb Tide said...

Hi Sandy! It's no joke transporting a giant cacti. These desert plants are really overweight. But it's their weight that adds to their beauty. Have a nice week-end!

Lloyd Irving Bradbury said...

pins and needles,needles and pins

Ebb Tide said...

Lloyd- thanks for dropping by. I know you're feeling better. Don't paint too hard.

Ebb Tide said...

Those cacti are wonderful subjects for painting. Something different from the usual flowers and regular landscape. Looking forward to your cactus painting.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful desert cactus. A welcome subject from the usual floral and mountain landscape. Looking forward to your cactus painting on your next blog.

Ebb Tide said...

Anonymous- Thanks for your comment. Will feature my cactus painting next week. Glad you're looking forward to it.

SandyCarlson said...

Thanks for stopping by today.

Wondering about those cacti: are they protected wild plants?

Ebb Tide said...

Sandy-thanks for dropping by again. I don't know if those cacti are protected. Will research your question later.

Anonymous said...

How wonderful to look at those dessert cactus! It reminds me that only God can make a cactus but you could paint it. God bless your blog always.

Ebb Tide said...

Thanks Angel! Yes, only God can make a real cactus and artists and crafstmen can make fake ones. That's a good balance.

dodong flores 도동 플로오리스 said...

Is the first photo really for real? :D

Bogie said...

so beautiful and unique, nice photos!

Ebb Tide said...

Dodong-thanks for dropping by. The first photo is from a postcard that I bought in the Botanical garden. I think it's real, heavy cactus or else the car will not get down.

Ebb Tide said...

Hi Bogie! Welcome to my blog and thanks for taking the time to comment.I am glad you think the cactus photos are nice.

Anonymous said...

Interesting post! I haven't seen real giant cactus.Must be an unforgettable sight.

Ebb Tide said...

Anonymous- Yes, seeing real giant cactus are unforgettable. That's why I am sharing the trip to all.

Lloyd Irving Bradbury said...

Happy Easter

Ebb Tide said...

Lloyd-Happy Easter too!