Hidden Treasures Among the Weeds

Today I head out on my own, close to home, to pull Sahara mustard along the wash by Squaw Hill. I really look forward to this time alone. Yes, the staggering amount of weeds frustrates me but with every garbage bag I fill I feel fulfilled because I can see my progress and I know I am doing something good for the desert environment.

And the native plants and flowers thank me in their own way as I stumble across some showy blooms…

Beavertail Cactus…

Desert Sunflowers and Sand Verbena hanging out together…

Desert Dandelions and Pincushions…

More Beavertail getting ready to burst…

A patch of purple Phacelia…

Groundcherry…

Five Spot…

Rock Daisies growing on the side of Squaw Hill…

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Sahara mustard grows abundantly beneath creosote and other prickly shrubs and bushes resulting in bloody scratches on my arms and legs. Just when I think I’ve pulled all the weeds, I look back and find several more hiding in the center requiring  me to kneel down and just about stick my face into the thorns as I reach and pull.

But today I discover a  desert iguana watching me as if to say thank you for all my hard work. His visit makes my battles with thorny branches worthwhile!