I was planning to do some hiking today (part of a New Year's resolution to do more hiking), but was laid low for the morning by a migraine/sinus Thing, and so opted to go stroll about in the desert garden of a regional museum in the afternoon instead. The weather was pleasant -- just a bit chilly -- and the plants were all very nicely labeled.
Growing up in New England, I likely took plant life for granted. Trees were tall and numerous and diverse; shrubbery was everywhere; grass grew even without purposeful watering. I do recall that I was especially fond of the chestnut trees that grew one street over, because the chestnuts were so very beautiful. I never gave thought to the survival needs of plants, though.
Here in the desert, everything is different. The plants are pointy and spiky and leaves are of a different character entirely. They work to find purchase in gritty dry soil. And yet they flourish, everywhere, and you can see their astonishing adaptability and strength once you know how to look.
The most remarkable feature of so many desert plants is the symmetry. So lovely.
Definitely need to plant a desert garden. Soon.
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