Cactus Flowers

It's always summer somewhere... 

When you live as high up in the mountains as I do... searching out summer can be a full time job.Because our winters last for 6 long months.   Therefore this wildflower lover schedules warm weather escapes as often as possible. And, when we go, we take our girls. As in the horsie girls ~ because horses are the perfect transportation for hunting down elusive, and sometimes rare, wildflowers.

Two weeks ago, we were trotting through the back country near Sedona, Arizona. On the Caballos del Sol annual benefit trail ride. I do declare our horses were as delighted with the summer weather as we were! And, what a wonderful treat to see these cacti in full bloom!
* The Prickly Pear Cactus wows us with stunning blossoms in pink, yellow and orange... though I've never been fortunate enough to find an orange one in bloom. This plant is gorgeous AND practical: Prickly Pear paddles make a delightful syrup for pancakes!
** SURPRISE! They're happy to grow where you live, too. Copuntia compressa 'Pink' is a hardy, easy-growing Prickly Pear that does well in growing zones 4-9.

Follow @Kate_HAGardens