AZ.

Agave Farms (AF) – An Urban Desert Experience – Part 2

Jeff

In Part 1 of my story about the Master Gardener’s visit to Agave Farms, I mentioned the large size of the facility. Many of the sections have stone walls creating raised beds that are also very large.

Agave Farm picture

If you visit the area near the informal entrance you may be able to find a variety of plantings, pots, etc. to provide ideas and inspiration such as this large planting of Euphorbia tirucalli is commonly referred to as a ‘Sticks on Fire’ or another similar name.

Agave Farm picture

As previously noted, AF grows vegetables, cacti, succulents and a host of other plants. Another of their specialties is roses. Whenever I mention rose growing in the desert to my friends from other areas, they are surprised, but Arizona is one of the largest exporters of roses in the US.

Agave Farm picture

AF carries a large variety of roses. They have a three-fold brochure listing the names of their roses so gardeners can more easily find a particular variety.

Agave Farm picture

If there is a color you are seeking, you will most likely find it at AF. Interestingly enough, they grow many of their roses in mesh-like bags which are environmentally friendly. I had never seen these before, but they seemed to work well.

Agave Farm picture

I was seeking a very particular climbing rose that does well in our zone, Golden Showers, and sure enough, I was able to find the plant at AF and it is now doing well in our courtyard landscape.

I did not get the specific name of the plant pictured below, but it was somewhat unique for our area. I particularly liked the leaf form and the white-ish tips at the end of the flowers.

Agave Farm picture

Flowers and vegetables are planted in groupings and interspersed. This may be to deter certain pests or perhaps just to develop a more colorful display.

Agave Farm picture

In one section of the farm, they were demonstrating hay bale gardening for those who don’t have a fertile plot or otherwise find this an acceptable alternative.

Agave Farm picture

More cool weather veggies and flowers.

Agave Farm picture

Agave Farm picture

It was fun just to walk around. Up against a fence, I saw this half-column ornament which was different!

Agave Farm picture

There are constant reminders that AF is in the middle of the city as apartments surround it and can be seen across from this water retention pond.

Agave Farm picture

A chicken coop constructed from an old truck cargo area was another interesting stop.

Agave Farm picture

Agave Farm picture

Just before I left the farm to head home, I saw this unique bicycle cart. Isn’t the color wonderful?!

Agave Farm picture

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous posts about life in the desert HERE or gardening HERE.

Agave Farms – An Urban Desert Experience – Part 1

Jeff

In Phoenix, AZ (the Sonoran Desert) gardening is unlike most other places. One thing more difficult than gardening in the desert is creating a successful garden retail business and that is why it is always exciting when a new option appears.

As part of the Maricopa County Master Gardener program, we took a field trip to visit Agave Farms in central Phoenix.

    4300 N Central Ave,
    Phoenix, AZ 85012
    (602) 374-6553

Agave Farm picture

What renders Agave Farms somewhat different is that it is a cross between a community farm and garden center. It is landlocked by urban landscape and serves as a welcome oasis for those in the immediate area.

Agave Farm picture

When visitors enter the center, they are first struck by the vastness of the farm. Although it appears as one city block, it is a big one.

Agave Farm picture

At times there can be a flurry of activity taking place so naturally, there needs to be some guidelines for the safety of the visitors and the care of the plants and other items for sale..

Agave Farm picture

Here is an artistic signpost explaining where most areas of interest are located.

Agave Farm picture

Gardeners should take their time to look around and study the displays and floral groupings. These can spur creative gardening thoughts for home use.

Agave Farm picture

Agave Farms (AF) appears to invite group visits such as ours. They have a small picnic table and barbecue area just behind the office building near the parking lot.

Agave Farm picture

For inspiration, there are small and large displays to get guests into that gardening mood.

Agave Farm picture

AF even offers plants that are impossible to kill, i.e. metal sculptures. (Note – I am not sure these particular specimens are for sale, but if interested, I think AF can provide the contact information of a supplier).

Agave Farm picture

Many people who have desert gardens like to use rebar, metal objects, etc. in their garden design. I have learned to appreciate rebar and rust as a featured element of a Sonoran Desert garden design. This portion of a rebar gate focuses attention on flowers on the picnic area’s patio.

Agave Farm picture

Below is a picture of a nice, artsy petunia display. Keep in mind that these photographs were taken the second week in January at a time when there are still cool-to-cold temperatures and danger of frost. This is our early spring in the Valley of the Sun. This season is not a time to find, full lush gardens in the desert. It is however, a good time to begin thinking about plans and planting for the upcoming season.

Agave Farm picture

There are some interesting, some may say humorous, touches at AF such as this doctor statue standing in the middle of a future planting area.

Agave Farm picture

We cannot forget that this is a desert-based farm and landscape center and as such there are desert plants for sale. These cactus plants have cups covering their sensitive growing tips should a frost occur. It does look a bit unusual to those from other areas, but quite common in the desert.

Agave Farm picture

In a previous JBRish post, I depicted another unusual aspect to winter protection of sensitive desert plants. You can check out the post, Cactus Ghosts in the Desert.

Large specimens are often sold in planting boxes. These are a bit tricky to use for those who are uninitiated and usually require a specialist or someone who has developed the appropriate skills. There is a definite technique to releasing a plant from one of these wooden planting boxes and keeping the root ball intact.

Agave Farm picture

There are live agaves to be seen at AF, but this particular fountain sculpture can serve as a signature for this post and a fine end to Part 1 of our visit to Agave Farms.

Agave Farm picture

 

JBRish.com originally published this post
*All photographs Copyright by Jeffrey B. Ross with all rights reserved.

 
See previous posts about life in the desert HERE or gardening HERE.

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2016 – II

Jeff

If you would like to read the first part of the 2016 Enchanted Pumpkin Garden story, click HERE

This year’s pumpkin display at the Carefree Sundial garden had a couple of western themed exhibits. Below, we see two pumpkins sitting outside a saloon with decidedly carefree expressions.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

One fruit obviously violated the rules of the house as he was tossed from the card game onto the nearby street!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Another patron onlooker waved to those strolling by as he continued to enjoy his beverage.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

More macabre is the neighboring gallows where the apparent wrongdoing pumpkin escapes the noose when his stem breaks away. Of course we cannot assume this squash was not deserving the prescribed punishment.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Off to the side, a pumpkin outhouse provides some needed relief .

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

A group of pumpkins were hauling hay to a nearby loft. I am not certain they were doing it as efficiently as possible. The rope seemed to serve as a zip line for at least one of the workers.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

A pumpkin parent took her youngster to the nearby general store for a candy.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

At several points along the paths there were artificial saguaros which housed round brine tanks containing carved pumpkins. They were lit for an eerie effect.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Some of the pumpkins just wanted to have fun!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

The sculptors weren’t the only creative types. This jack-o’-lantern painter took up the brush to create signs, but…

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

unfortunately, this guy was splattered with some errant paint.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

At a nearby pond, a couple of pumpkins were fishing to relax a for a while.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Of course there were some real harrowing displays as well. This poor fellow was being roasted. Who would do such a thing?

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

This is the scoundrel who was turning the skewered squash!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Here we can see the cook in the act!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Hopefully, this will satisfy his tummy or these pumpkins “in waiting” may also face the heat.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

In another area of the garden, a mad scientist enlisted some of the melons to help pull the switches…

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

while the boss mixes elixirs for the holiday celebration.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Other helpers continued to keep the lab machinery going.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

All of this is just ho hum for some of the resident pumpkins and they found places to rest!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Have a Safe and Fun Halloween!

 

*NOTE: The pumpkins in the scenes were made using artificial resources to keep them from being eaten by the native wildlife such as Javelinas. Also of note, some of the metal stands supporting the pumpkins in the “scenes” have been removed in the photographs.

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2016 – I

Jeff

During this season last year, we visited Carefree, AZ which is just a short distance from our Sonoran Desert home. They had a pumpkin carving/Halloween display and festival that was, as the title indicates, enchanting. I can also add very creative and entertaining.

To read last year’s posts with daytime pictures that are quite different, visit the links below:

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – I

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – II

Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2015 – III

We decided to visit the exhibition once again. This year, however we arrived after dark. The nighttime presented several photographic challenges, so I hope you will overlook some of the shots if they are not quite as sharp or colorful as they should be. I think you will enjoy this post (and the next post) which should stimulate the holiday spirit.

When we arrived, it was just at the end of family pumpkin carving time. Professional sculptors had taught the skill of pumpkin carving and families were finishing their individual creations as we made our way to the large rotunda. This is done to raise money for the local “Y.”

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

It is interesting to watch the experts bring out the detailed facial features.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Why so puzzled or is it sad?

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

The previously carved pumpkins were jealously watching as others were getting all of the attention.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

And this little guy didn’t seem to care one way or the other as he sat upon the table. BTW – we were told last year that the appendages were artificial, but made to look real.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

There were plenty of carved pumpkins to see and some burlap-stuffed figures as well. Notice the faint figure in the background.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Here is that burlappy cowboy that was lurking in the previous photo. After all, it is Halloween in the western desert!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

There was a four hundred pound pumpkin on display as you can see…

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

And it was very orange and large. Notice the person’s legs on the left for some perspective.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

The family-carved pumpkins were judged and this young fellow was brought up to the stage to have his picture taken with pumpkin carver extraordinaire, Ray Villafane, as he was selected for his excellent carving. I was very impressed to see how well all of the amateur family carvers performed. I don’t think I could have done as well.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

A more traditional October pumpkin scarecrow was propped on the stage to help set the autumnal mood even though it was 90 + degrees that afternoon; pretty scary!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

This figure was sitting on a ledge off to the side and would be easy to miss. He was attempting to play a balancing game with some rocks. Just as a side note…the attention to detail in this exhibit was outstanding!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Instead of scaring passersby, this pumpkin looked as though it was scared of us!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Below is another view of a pumpkin pictured above. You may notice that the face glistens a bit. A brine mixture is sprayed onto the surface of the pumpkin as a preservative so when visiting the garden, there is a slight vinegar odor, but not unpleasant.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

These pumps were placed in the back of the stage to help provide that Halloween ambiance.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Not only the pumpkins were golden as..

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

several dogs seemed to be enjoying the exhibit as well. This one may be a bit scared!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

Some pumpkins were just enjoying the exhibition. Others, as viewers will see in the next post, were not quite as lucky!

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

We will leave you this day with an onlooking burlap maiden and child which were appropriately dressed for the occasion.

Enchanted Pumpkin Garden-2016-Carefree, AZ

View Carefree, AZ – Enchanted Pumpkin Garden , 2016 – Part II


*NOTE: The pumpkins in the scenes were made using artificial resources to keep them from being eaten by the native wildlife such as Javelinas. Also of note, some of the metal stands supporting the pumpkins in the “scenes” have been removed in the photographs.

Cholla – Do Not Touch

Jeff

Life in the desert keeps me on my toes especially since I enjoy hiking when the weather is reasonable. There is a group of cactus in the Sonoran Desert known as Chollas and there is quite a variety of them. The picture below is part of a Cholla (cactus). Notice all of those thorns!

This is certainly one cactus you do not want to touch. If you study the “arms,” you can see that they are significantly segmented by design. Nature offers this advantage to the plant by allowing the appendages to easily break off and embed in the fur or skin of passing animals and perhaps drop off to gain a foothold elsewhere. They do easily embed in human skin via the same procedure; trust me!

While this would not be a prize winning picture, I appreciated the light outlining the needles on the arms and presenting the contrast of light and dark colors. I often find that there is interest and beauty all around if we take time to look.

Segmented Cholla along the Jewel of the Creek's Main Trail

A Cholla cactus found along the main trail at Jewel of the Creek riparian area, Cave Creek, AZ

A Juvenile Red-tailed Hawk in the Desert

Jeff

As followers of JBRish.com know, I live on the edge of the desert in North Phoenix only a few miles from Cave Creek, Arizona. As such, we have an interesting array of wildlife including many birds. One of my hobbies is trying to identify as many birds as possible when I can see them and/or capture them with a camera.

Today, a hawk landed on a telephone pole near the back corner of our yard. I have a Canon Powershot SX50 HS which has a very large zoom and allows me to get relatively close to birds even if they are far away. Since this bird was large, it made it just a bit easier.

I took these two pictures just before the hawk flew away.

 

juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

 

juvenile Red-tailed Hawk

It turned out to be a juvenile Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

What birds reside in your area?


JBRish.com originally published this post

To See More JBRish Bird Pictures Click Here

Bird Photo – American Kestrel

Jeff

I was walking by my picture window yesterday afternoon and I saw this bird perched on a wire near a telephone pole. I hadn’t seen this bird in our neighborhood before, but recognized its hawk-like persona and thought it might be an American Kestrel.

I posted the picture on the Bird Forum and sure enough some of the experienced birders there confirmed it was an American Kestrel. They ventured, perhaps, that this is a female because of the coloration. I am sorry that the bird was so far away, but these were the best pictures I could get.

An American Kestrel, Cave Creek, AZ

An American Kestrel, Cave Creek, AZ

An American Kestrel, Cave Creek, AZ

An American Kestrel, Cave Creek, AZ

Try as I might, I could not get that bird to turn around!

Jewel of the Creek and Snakes x 2

Jeff

This past month was a busy time for us with a number of visitors to our desert home. Many of our guests came from the north or northeast to enjoy our warmer days and sample an early spring. One of our favorite places to take people who want to walk in the desert is the Jewel of the Creek Preserve near the Spur Cross Conservation Area in Cave Creek, AZ.

Our last few guests of the month were treated to the Jewel with a beautiful spring day at the creek. It was warm, but a soft breeze made it quite bearable and the addition of several canopied stops made it that much more pleasant.

As we began our descent to the creek we saw many beautiful cactus in bloom.

The yellow, near orange, Englemann’s Prickly Pear was one of the first to greet us.

Englemann's Prickly Pear

Perhaps the most spectacular blooms were on the Engelmann’s Hedgehog cactus. The twin blooms below were a portent of things to come.

Hedgehog Cactus

It appears as a near contradiction that such a delicate flower can be nestled among these sharp, spiny needles, but in the desert plants survive the animal marauders by having such defenses.

Hedgehog and spines

As the days wear on, the Hedgehog cactus begin to close shop and create an urn-like shape.

Hedgehog Cactus Closing

The Sonoran Desert has probably achieved a level of notoriety because of some of their desert denizens and usually we see many lizards, but not too many snakes. On this hike, however we were “treated” to a couple of rattlesnake sightings. The fellow below briefly posed for us as he meandered along his route. We kept our distance, but were able to get some good pictures.

Rattlesnake head

Rattlesnake head

We estimate that this snake was approximately 36-40 inches long.

TRattlesnake moving across the path

The trees were in their glory as well. In addition to the Palo Verdes, the Velvet Mesquites were strutting their frothy catkins.

Mesquite Tree Catkins

About ten minutes after seeing the first rattlesnake, we came across our second rattler. It is hard to see, but the head of the snake is inside the yellow circle with most of the body above.
Rattlesnake in the underbrush

We decided that we had enough snake encounters and began the return trip to the trail head. Along the way, this Cholla was highlighted by the arc of the sun. The dark green of the flesh juxtaposed against the lighter needles created a beautiful pattern.
Cholla Cactus Against the Sun

Some of the Prickly Pear cactus were a deeper orange color as opposed to the more traditional yellow.

At the start of the trail this lone Compass Barrel cactus (my best guess) stands watch in the middle of the path to greet those who are coming or going. Since this is a managed area cared for by the Foothills Land Trust, it will probably survive and thrive.
Compass Barrel Cactus
If you are in the Cave Creek, AZ area, and you enjoy hiking, I think a walk along the Jewel of the Creek would be a worthy and manageable adventure!

iPhone 6 Makes Picture Taking a Snap!

Jeff

Apple has set up what they are calling a “World Gallery” of photographs taken using the iPhone 6. The wonderful picture capabilities of the iPhones have been touted for a number of years and with each iteration, Apple seems to be able to raise the bar even higher. To demonstrate how versatile and creative the iPhone 6 can be, this page titled “Shot on iPhone 6” provides a great number of examples. I selected five of my favorites below. Visit the website to see more images in their larger sizes.

NOTE – Some of the pictures were taken with Apps other than the Apple Camera App. This information is noted under the pictures on display at the linked website.


Let me know which images you find most compelling, beautiful or interesting.

Shot by Andrew P. in Phoenix, AZ

This desert shot takes full advantage of the warm reds and oranges of sunset, capturing a beautiful range of tones with a limited color palette.

Since I live in this area, this picture caught my eye. I have taken similar pictures with my camera. One thing I try to impress upon visitors and people who live out-of-state is the wonderful colors the sun creates at various times of the day in the Sonoran Desert.

Sonoran Desert Scene - iPhone6

Shot by Brendan Ó. in Copenhagen, Denmark

Shooting from an unexpected angle can add an interesting twist. Here, it creates contours in the lines that convey a sense of movement to the viewer.

I found the lines on this pavement particularly interesting. I wonder if these are bicycle lanes or do these markings serve some other purpose? Are these lines curvy for artistic reasons or do the shapes provide a necessary shift?

Street/Park Scene, Copenhagen Denmark - iPhone6

Shot by Hyeong Jun K. in Seoul, South Korea
The exaggerated scale of a shadow, like the one cast by the tree, can add an element of interest to a stark landscape.

I am a sucker for trees especially when they are standing alone. While there are others around, the isolation of the main tree feels palpable to me.

Lonesome Tree - iPhone6

Shot by Noah W. in Marina Del Rey, CA

Use naturally occurring shadows to your advantage. In this photo, the solid silhouette of the dog interrupts the stripes cast across the sidewalk.

I enjoy a good animal picture and this is no exception. In addition to the notation above, this photograph would have been so ordinary without the shadows. The dog almost looks zebra-ish and much more interesting with the shadowed lines.

Dog Marked by Linear Shadows - iPhone6

Shot by Austin M. in Steamboat Springs, CO

Photos featuring just one color family can be brought to life with a subtle hint of a contrasting color. Here, the pop of blue in the sky adds a surprising element.

I love the subtle colors in this photo as noted above. While this is a very good photo, IMHO it would have been even better had the ski lift (upper right) been cropped out. In any event, the feeling evoked by this snow scene is “cool” indeed!

On the Slopes - iPhone6