Fields of Poppies and Sand Verbena. All photos by Bob Edwards and Kate Bell.
OBceans Find 21 Different Species of Flowers
by Bob Edwards
Several OBceans made the 2.5 hour drive to Anza-Borrego State Park yesterday, Wednesday, March 6, to hike and check out the amazing flower display that the heavy rains have brought to our deserts.
We counted 21 different species of flowers and there are zillions of green sprouts that (barring a freeze or dry winds) promise several weeks more of new wildflowers. Plus, there are many cactus that will go off with their blooms in the next month or so.
Sand Verbena
If you decide to make the trip, bring plenty of water, comfortable walking shoes, and a map of the area. You can pick up a map at the State Park Visitor’s Center or the Natural History Association in Borrego Springs.
Parish’s Poppies
Weekdays will be much less crowded than the weekends.
Barrel Cactus in bloom
In 2017 there was also a magnificent super bloom and the Visitor Center, restaurants, and gas stations were at times overwhelmed. Park rangers and the Borrego Springs business community say they are better prepared this year for big crowds but you might want to pack your own food and make sure you have plenty of gas before heading out there to avoid having to wait in long lines.
California Evening Primrose
For the latest updates and maps that show where the best flower displays are happening, go to the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association page:
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
This is just to whet our appetites for more; I’m going out there next week.
Outstanding and profoundly beautiful photography. Thank you.
When I lived in OB (o so many years ago) this was an annual ritual for me . . . some of my happiest times hiking amidst the bloom. Thanks for the memories. Bob, and the great fotos.