Each year my folks and I see a variety of blossoms, in
different phases of development, in a range of ecosystems. Over the past
several years, plants have been increasingly stressed due to the prolonged
drought. This year they are in better condition due to
the increased rainfall from El Niño. The desert received less rain than
expected (or hoped for), but it was enough to revive the plants, trees, and shrubs for
another year.
This year, we saw the tamarisk in bloom at Lake Skinner near
Hemet, California. Most tamarisk species are exotic (brought in to
control the sifting sand along the railroad tracks), and invasive. Still, I enjoyed seeing the lovely
pink inflorescence of this hardy shrub. Here is this year's virtual album from our
travels (see albums for 2014 and 2015).
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