The Rio Grande River runs right through the middle of Albuquerque. The bosque on either side is an amazing natural area. Yesterday, while walking through the bosque, I turned a corner and came upon this gorgeous red vine, backlit by the setting sun.

autumn in the bosque

fiery sunset August 23 2009

Just when I think Mother Nature cannot outdo herself, she presents a sunset like tonight’s! What can I say? Land of Enchantment, indeed!

New Mexico is known for its skies and its sunsets, but this year has been especially spectacular, it seems.

Evening Sky

bud of sacred datura starting to open

Many people are familiar with the appearance of the fully open flower of Sacred Datura, also known as ‘Jimson Weed’ and ‘Georgia O’Keefe’s flower.’ You may not be as familiar with the flower as it just begins to open. The flowers open just at dusk, and a bud at this point will unfurl completely in 15 – 20 minutes. The flower will be fully open throughout the night, and by mid-morning of the following day will be totally wilted.

The 'Green Rose'

There are many different classes and varieties of roses. Most people think of the hybrid tea, with varieties such as “Mister Lincoln,” “Gemini,” and so forth when they think of rose.

This is one of the more unusual roses, and it is a true rose. The “flower” that you think you see here is actually a collection of sepals (hybrid tea roses have five sepals), and the true flowers are buried deep within (I have never seen one of the true flowers on the Green Rose). It is great to use in rose arrangements.

Monsoon season

Sunsets are always great in the Desert Southwest. Monsoon season can provide great sunsets, as well as much-needed rain.

These clouds were rolling in over the Sandia Mountains at sunset yesterday. The thunderstorm arrived shortly after dark.

Roadrunner pair

Last night I was out taking photos of an approaching storm. I glanced in another direction, and saw this pair of roadrunners, one with a long piece of grass in its mouth, eyeing a birch tree. I don’t think they actually chose that spot for a nest, but it was pretty interesting to watch them. I have seen them with lizards hanging out of their mouths, but never a piece of grass. I hope they hang around in the general vicinity.

Old San Ysidro Church, Corrales

San Ysidro being the patron saint of farmers, the inclusion of a church dedicated to him on a gardening photo blog is not inappropriate.

This structure as it stands was built in 1868, after a flood destroyed the original church. It is beautiful in its simplicity, and it stands as a monument to tradition in New Mexico. It is now maintained by the Corrales Historical Society, and is used for many purposes.

Recently I had the opportunity to attend a wedding there, which was also beautiful in its simplicity. And tradition was upheld. The parents of the bride were also married in this church, and were married by the same pastor.

Best wishes for a long and happy marriage to the newlyweds!

Roses, Rose of Sharon 'Blushing Bride'

I never cease to amazed at how much gardens can change from year to year.

This is a small garden in the city, full of wonderful things, as you can see.

In the background is the Rose of Sharon, ‘Blushing Bride,’ which you can see is much larger than last year.

There are many different roses in this photo, made possible because the Rose of Sharon was trained as a small tree, allowing the roses to have plenty of light. Some of the roses you see here are ‘Hot Cocoa,’ ‘Gemini,’ and ‘St. Patrick.’

This garden is maintained by Lois Brandt. Isn’t it beautiful?