Big Fuzzy Balls

Congregation 2

Yesterday's photo was a macro close-up of a plant I could have held in the cupped palms of my hands. Today's plant is a likely relative of yesterday's, though this is no macro. These leaves could be measured in feet, not inches, and would need a small room to occupy.Everything about the cactus and succulent section of the Sherman Gardens in Corona del Mar, California, was captivating when I was there with Deb recently. But I was especially struck by the beautiful, strong southwestern light. These leaves are almost glowing - in part because of the reflected light bouncing off of the leaves and also because the leaves are slightly translucent. But it was soft blues and greens of this plant that attracted me to this scene. The sun was warm but the hues were cool.Incidentally, I am experimenting with a new app on my iPad and iPhone called iPhoto. To Mac users, it is nothing new. But it is new for our portable devices. One of the things it allows is the publication of something called "journals." Here's a link to my California journal.

Shades of Blue and Green

I was in photography heaven at the Sherman Gardens in Laguna del Mar, California - especially in the cactus section because of all of the amazing lines and textures. Sorry but I don't know the name of this cactus but it looks like a little magical kingdom with decorated domes.

Thorny Problem

This dangerous looking cactus was lurking only a few feet away from the "Fuzzy Logic" cactus I posted a few days ago. No doubt both designs are effective in keeping their native predators at bay. But talk about contrast!For those interested in details the name for this is the Cowhorn Euphorbia and it comes from South Africa. We found it in a botanical garden in California.
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Fuzzy Logic

If you hadn't already figured it out, this is a cactus. Nature's design? Or an experiment in genetic engineering? Either way, what were they thinking!? Compare this cactus with "Thorny Problem."The botanical name for this plant is the Mammillaria vaupelli "Cristata." Sometimes it's called "brain cactus."