Apr 12 2015

Desert Bouquet III

Melissa Crytzer Fry

Here we are, not quite mid-April, and the desert’s wildflowers are already fading (we are literally two months ahead of schedule with blooms — they started in early February, and plants normally blooming in June are in full swing right now). That doesn’t mean I can’t share the stockpile of images with you that I’ve taken since February (See Desert Bouquet 1 and Desert Bouquet 2). Remember: the photos are better when you click to enlarge each one!

Look who's hanging out on this desert hyacinth.

Look who’s hanging out on this desert hyacinth.

The common name of the desert hyacinth is the bluedick. See the moisture inside the cup.

The common name of the desert hyacinth is the bluedick — even though it’s purple! See the moisture inside the cup.

Field of bluedicks.

Field of bluedicks.

Paleface delphinium.

Paleface delphinium.

Rambling milkweed.

Rambling milkweed.

Pink fairy duster in background. And mariposa lily (because I just couldn’t resist sharing another). 

I've never seen pink hedgehogs, but there were plenty on our property this year.

I’ve never seen light pink hedgehogs, but there were plenty on our property this year (usually blooming late May to early June – now, just about done).

This is the typical fuchsia color of hedgehog flowers!

This is the typical fuchsia color of hedgehog flowers!

Feather dalea.

Feather dalea.

Over the past five years, I have yet to identify this one!

Over the past five years, I have yet to identify this one!

While our bright season is winding down, I hope your bright seasons are just beginning!


11 Responses to “Desert Bouquet III”

  • Kimberly Chavez Says:

    I hope you are doing well!

    The fuchsia hedgehog is gorgeous! I don’t think I’ve ever seen that flower before, thank you for sharing it!

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    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Hi Kim! So good to hear from you. The hedgehog is actually attached to a prickly cactus that usually begins popping with color in June. Things are a bit off this year, but we’ll take this kind of color ANY time!

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  • Kathy Becraft Says:

    Bee-u-tiful! Spring and fall are the best times in the desert and usually the shortest seasons. Thanks for sharing the gorgeous flowers and getting out there and taking photos. By the way you have reached professional level with your photography (my biased opinion). Way to go 🙂

    [Reply]

    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    Yes, these favored seasons ARE too short! Wow – what a compliment regarding my photography skills. Still learning … the perpetual student!

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  • Nina Says:

    What I find so incredible is that photos are perfectly beautiful and detailed in their regular size. And then when I enlarge it’s just WHOA. Awe inspiring. Truly.

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    Melissa Crytzer Fry Reply:

    What a wonderful compliment, Nina. I appreciate it!

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  • Lisa Ahn Says:

    Beautiful — can’t get enough of the mariposa lilies. Makes me want to book a flight to the desert blooms.

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  • Laurie Buchanan Says:

    Melissa — I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again: Your photography is drop-dead gorgeous!

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  • Susan Okaty Says:

    You live in an area with so much natural beauty, and you do a wonderful job of capturing it for us with your camera. Flowers and trees have been bursting here on the Virginia coast, and yesterday I saw that my beautiful blue-tailed skink is back. Now I’m waiting for my hummingbird to return. I love spring!

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  • Diann Says:

    Thank you so much for sharing these lovely photos (and not limiting it to one post!). We are finally finally getting spring, but not fully, and of course desert beauty is its own unique miracle.

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