Orange Cactus Blooms © 2011 Bo Mackison
A variety of cactus were in bloom at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior Arizona.
Orange flowers.
Cactus Bouquet © 2011 Bo Mackison
Red flowers.
Magenta Cactus Bloom © 2011 Bo Mackison
Pink flowers.
Yellow Hedgehog Bloom © 2011 Bo Mackison
Yellow flowers.
Such lovely flowers on the cactus plants. I’m so glad I had the chance to see the different cacti in bloom before I hit the road for Wisconsin.
About Bo MackisonI'm a photographer, book-artist, traveler, naturalist, and creator of the Contemplative Creatives Journey, An Online Workshop and Community and Desert Wisdom Cards and Workshops. Though often not well known, I find the desert a welcoming place - a healing space. Its mysteries and gifts transformed me several years ago. Since that first encounter, I return again and again to fill my well in what most people think of as a desolate region. I'd love to share my desert discoveries and wisdom with you. Please subscribe to receive my five part mini email course The Gifts of the Desert. It's my gift to you.
Gorgeous photos, Bo! I would just love to be able to see the cactus in bloom again!
Aren’t they great. I am always amazed when these spiny, stubbly cacti offer such beautiful flowers! I love the cacti without flowers, but the flowers are a true gift!
The colors…wow!!! Stunning!
I know, and this is a fraction of the colors I’ve seen. Running out of time, Marcie…
The richness of these colors reminds me that when people say, “The desert is so boring, all gray and brown,” that they just haven’t been here long enough. And now I can send them here to see these great colors.
I certainly did not find the desert boring. Even when it was not yet beginning to bloom, the desert is so full of nature. Plus, it has a rather overwhelming “spirit” to it, too. That is the part I am so fascinated by.
The colors and flowers are so beautiful. The one and only time I have spent time in a desert, I was surprised by how alive it was. I love the way you bring that out, Bo.
Very alive, robin — with plants, nature, wildlife, and as I mentioned to Quinn in the above comment, a spirit all its own.
How beautiful each of these are in such vivid colors. I just love cactus blossoms… they are so delicate among the spines. I really like the papery quality of the Yellow Hedgehog Bloom.
Yes, that yellow hedgehog is a real beauty. That one, and also the Santa Rita Prickly Pear which also has yellow blossoms, with those yellows agaicontrasting with the purple of the prickly pear pad.
A beautiful riot of colors, so rich and deep.
Prickly Pear have great color combinations! They are lovely.