I spotted a lot more than usual healthier prickly pear pads growing in April and guessed it would be a banner year for big beautiful yellow cactus blooms. An abundance of not so Hidden Cactus are blooming strong this year. If you can see easily them, be warned there are even more pads hidden. When you are off the beaten path, be careful where you step!
First bloom this season was spotted in an area at the bottom of our property that I call Cactus Cove. The dogs and I frequently walk past it. I keep the dogs out of there and other known prickly area's. For obvious reasons.
first Prickly Pear Cactus bloom
(Opuntia genus) 6.22.26
A few days later, Brad asked if I had seen any cactus blooming on our property. He told me an area we rarely use had a lot of them. I couldn't wait to drive the side-by-side over to see what I could see. Wow!!! He was not kidding!
too many blooms to count (47 secs)
We frequented this area the first year we owned our land (2016). It was the only existing entrance/way to access our property. We thought perhaps it would be a good home site. We quickly changed our mind. There is something to be said for revisiting an area to get a feel for it.
6.27.26
I was worried the cacti might cause tire issues and dug them out of the sandy entrance way in 2016. The cactus I dug out bloomed. Even when exposed and heaped on a pile.
intricate blooms
With the area undisturbed, the cacti have come back in force. We have learned to love them, and even named our place after them: Hidden Cactus Ranch.
papery blooms
so delicate and fierce at the same time
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