Desert Unknown

I was in Joshua Tree National Monument photographing flowers last spring when I came upon this unique plant. I'm not sure what it is (again??).  What attracted me was the contrast of the lime green to the violet.  In my book, that's a big plus.

"Desert Unknown"       © Kathy Dunham 2010

The Hills are Yellow

Yes, there are still lots of wildflowers in bloom.  You just have to know where to look.  This hillside in Joshua Tree National Park is covered with lots of Brittle Bush.  They make a nice backdrop for the orange Apricot Mallow in the foreground. 

"The Hills are Yellow"     © Kathy Dunham 2010

Joshua Tree Blossoms

Just north of here is Joshua Tree National Park.  Named after the unique plant that is indigenous to this region, the park is popular with rock climbers. But in the spring, after good rains, the joshua tree unveils huge stalks of blossoms.  I've never seen any of these open any further than you see here.  But these giant spikes of flowers are an added sight to an otherwise stark desert.

"Joshua Tree Blossoms"   © Kathy Dunham 2010

Bloomin' Joshua

Last year we had a record crop of wildflowers and the Joshua Trees were outlandishly in full bloom. A relative of the yucca, this species can be found in it's namesake "Joshua Tree National Park". A great place for rock climbers, this high desert park offers unique vistas and lots of Johsua Trees.

"Bloomin' Joshua" © Kathy Dunham 2009

Joshua Tree Blossoms

We had an exceptionally good year for wild flowers this spring and when that happens I head up to Joshua Tree National Park. Known primarily for it's unique rock formations that climbers love to traverse, it's a virtual paradise of blossoms when we have sufficient rain. These blossoms on the Joshua Tree exemplify the beauty in this otherwise desolate area of Southern California.

"Joshua Tree Blossoms" © Kathy Dunham 2008

All Lined Up

Living in the desert and being an artist who paints flowers presents a unique challenge..... finding subject matter locally. Excluding what the gardeners think we should grow here, I'm always searching for unique and interesting flowers. We had a reasonable rain this past winter and spring, enough at the right time to bring the desert alive with flowers. When this happens it's wonderful. Blankets of flowers cover the desert floor and hills. That's when I jump in the car and hit the road. For this shot I visited Joshua Tree National Park, about an hour's drive. I almost missed these little beauties. They are no bigger than the nail on my pinky finger. I mean, they are tiny!. Normally they grow in a clump but this group were so nicely lined up I thought they were qued up for something.

"All Lined Up" © Kathy Dunham 2008