oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I know we're getting close to when the flower boom in the desert happens. From what I have been hearing there's been enough rain in that area to have a decent boom this year in the desert.

My question is around what time of the year would be the best to go out and take photos. I was in Tucson about five years ago but it was the wrong time of the year to get any cactus flower pictures. I know some of the cactuses have beautiful flowers and I would like to get some photos of them.

Any helpful information would be greatly appreciated.

Jim D

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

Jim, I have a very good reference guide for Arizona wildflower by Paul Gill and Colleen Miniuk-Sperry. Wild in Arizona: Photographing Arizona's Wildflowers; A Guide to When, Where, & How, Analemma Press, 2012.

The book provides 60 detailed entries for wildflower sites throughout Arizona, with information about time of bloom, prevalent species (including Wildflowers, cactus, and shrubs), best time of day for photography, vehicle requirements (4WD vs 2W), hiking trail difficulty, as well as directions to the site and maps.

I have met Colleen and seen her work. She is immensely talented; her and Paul Gill's illustrating images provide the added benefit of seeing great examples of desert and wildflower compositions. She is an award winning and internationally published photographer whose work has been published in National Geographic and Arizona Highways amongst others. She leads workshops for AZ Highways, and has been the Artist in Residence for Acadia National Park in Maine. She knows her stuff!

Most of the wildflower bloom in the southern section of AZ around Tucson comes March through April in a normal year, with the season stretching into May in areas further north or at higher elevations. There are fewer areas that bloom into and through the summer.

I acquired this book in May and have been waiting impatiently for Spring so I can head down to AZ and take advantage of the information in the guide. See you on the trail maybe!

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

The flowers usually start to bloom in mid March and the peak is in April.

RichardSM Loc: Back in Texas

Also don't forget out at Kitt peak the beautiful wild poppies in April it looks the desert was painted with a large brush, it's just gorgeous.

RWR Loc: La Mesa, CA

Sheila Loc: Arizona or New York

Depending on how far you want to travel --Picacho Peak or Superstition area- sometimes the end of February but definitely March. You also might want to go to Tohono Chul Park in northern Tucson. They irrigate plants and have a nice selection of wildflower specimens in the park. The advantage is that you can find a variety without having to travel from spot to spot. Highway 79 which goes north from highway 77 from Oracle Junction to route 60 has many spots along the road where you can safely pull off and photograph. This road often has flowers when other areas are more limited. March is a good time to try this route.

I'd also recommend the book by Paul Gill & Colleen Miniuk -Sperry. They tell you how to get to places and where to find blossoms once you get there. The book also lists the best times for looking for each plant. This does vary a little depending on the weather in a given year but is a good start. Colleen is an excellent photographer and teacher. If you have an opportunity to hear her speak or take a class, I would recommend it.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

One of the best poppy places is east of Globe on highway 60 in the Apache res. You need a permit (available at the Basha's store in town), then drive back. You can spend days shooting the poppies in those hills. My last few trips to Picacho Peak have been disappointing. I think the tons of tourists tramping all over the mountain have killed it. Maybe it's good they closed it for awhile?

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

It can be heartbreaking when you go into an area and see the damage done by people that are so inconsiderate. You're right sometimes the only way is to close an area down. You hate to see it happen, but you hate to see the damage.

Jim D

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

While inconsiderate might account for part of the problem, you have to realize the desert is a fragile environment and is not able to handle large numbers of visitors. An old adage used in Texas for years was one cow per 10 acres. This kept the grass from being completely destroyed by over grazing. I think the adage should be modified to one person per 100 acres of desert. The only problem then is not many people would be able to see the beauty.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

You're right, not many would get to see the beauty that way. Then again if inconsiderate visitors keep destroying the beauty not many will get to see it that way either. I guess it's a no-win situation. You and I know that there are many inconsiderate people in this world and that is never going to change. You can't teach people to be considerate if they don't want to, any more than you can teach them common sense.

Jim D

louparker Loc: Scottsdale, AZ

Best place for seeing and photographing cactus and succulent blooms is the Phoenix Botanical Garden, which has just about every cactus and succulent known to man in a relatively compact area and it's a fun and relaxing place to walk around or just hang out for the day or afternoon, especially during the Spring butterfly exhibit, which begins on Mar. 7th and runs through May 10th. The best time for blooms is anywhere from late Feb. to late May (depending on how early and warm Spring is in Phoenix -- last year everything started blooming about a month earlier than usual), although there is usually something in bloom all year round. Check out the PBG and its event schedule and food and drink offerings at http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions.

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

I corrected the link above so that it works.

http://www.dbg.org/events-exhibitions

It seems like it be a nice place to visit.

Jim D

oldtool2 Loc: South Jersey

It took me a little while but I finally found a copy of this book by going through Barnes & Noble. They didn't have it. It appears it is out-of-print already. They did give me a link though to a store in Tucson that had two copies of it used. With shipping and handling it cost me about 18 bucks but we shall see how good the book is. I probably will only have a use for it this year but my brother lives in Tucson so I can give it to him after I am done with it. Thank you for the information.

Jim D

Photographer Jim Loc: Rio Vista, CA

I wish I'd known. I should have posted this link. You will be able to download a sample PDF file and get a feeling for the book. It is also available as an eBook.

http://wildinarizona.com

Rich1939 Loc: Pike County Penna.

IF; If there has been a damp winter and spring there can be an incredible poppy explosion at the higher elevations east of Tucson. From say the Cochise county line all the way to Wilcox, Safford and Morenci. The usually fallow fields and hills will literally be covered with orange/yellow flowers. I hope you are fortunate enough to witness this.