Desert In Bloom

Before we left California for home we wanted to experience 

the "desert in bloom". 

That was the main reason why we went to visit Borrego Springs today. 

Gloomy clouds over the mountains were hinting about the ongoing coastal rainstorms. While we were visiting it was dry and warm.

 Most of the desert flowers will be visible later in April and May. 

But with help of a map that Peter got at the Anza Borrego State Park's visitors centre... 

Common Raven

Barrel Cactus and wild Heliothrope

...we were able to find some areas where the flowers already were showing.

It It was amazing! The air was heavy with the fragrance of the 

Purple Desert Verbena.

Imagine holding an open perfume bottle right under your nose and inhale.

There you go! Just so overpowering and heady!

Desert Verbena (Abronia villosa)

Verbena and yellow Hairy Desert Sunflowers

Desert Verbena and white Dune Evening Primrose
(Oenothera deltoids)

Hairy Desert Sunflower and Desert Verbena

Sunflower up close
(Geraea canescens)

 Purple Verbena, white Primrose, yellow Sunflowers

What an experience!