Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

The Flower Hour #20: Shadows of Desert Florals

—

, ,

For the Flower Hour, share your images of flowers, gardens, fields of flowers, seasonal leaves and plants, fungus, algae, cacti, blossoms, berries, and wildflowers. Bouquets and silk/faux flowers are welcome.

I’m back in the desert Southwest this week! This was taken from a visit to the Cave Creek area north of Phoenix, Arizona, a few years ago. Saguaro Cacti adorn the hillsides.

Cave Creek, Arizona

We arrived as scheduled after a four-day, uneventful drive from the Spokane, Washington area. Here are some of the flowers and plants growing in my brother’s home.

With John’s Lens-Artists “Shadowed” prompt in mind, I captured these shadowed desert florals early Sunday morning.

Desert Daisy
Shadows play on Desert Daisy or Brittlebush
Prickly Pear cactus
Prickly Pear Cactus caught in the morning sun’s shadow

“Every moment of light and dark is a miracle.” – Walt Whitman

bougainvillea pink
Bougainvillea

Honoring Cee Neuner during the month of March.

There are no specific themes for the Flower Hour, but please use your own photography. And you have all week to link to this post.

New to The Flower Hour photo challenge? Please check out my page for more information! I encourage “double-dipping” with other blog challenges if you do not want to create a separate post.

flower graphic

© 2026 Copyright — Terri Webster Schrandt and secondwindleisure.com — All Rights Reserved

Discover more from Second Wind Leisure Perspectives

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

59 responses to “The Flower Hour #20: Shadows of Desert Florals”

  1. debrapurdykong Avatar
    debrapurdykong

    Love the photos! It makes me wish I were someplace warmer!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Debra! We’re enjoying warm Arizona at the moment, but cold winds are blowing today in A Eastern Washington!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  2. Springing Up New Life Out of Old – Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

    […] Terri’s The #Flower Hour #21-2026.03.10 […]

    Like

    Reply
  3. Robbie’s Inspiration – W3, White backed Vultures & The Flower Hour – Robbie's inspiration

    […] You can join in The Flower Hour here: https://secondwindleisure.com/2026/03/03/the-flower-hour-20-shadows-of-desert-florals/ […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. 2026 OWS: March 8th — In the Pink – Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

    […] Terri’s The Flower Hour #20 […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. robbiesinspiration Avatar
    robbiesinspiration

    These are beautiful flowers, Terri. It’s lovely to see Cee remembered.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Robbie. Her legacy lives on ❤️🌸

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. robbiesinspiration Avatar
        robbiesinspiration

        It does. Here is mine, Terri: https://robbiesinspiration.wordpress.com/2026/03/08/robbies-inspiration-w3-white-backed-vultures-the-flower-hour/

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Pink Perfection | XingfuMama Avatar
    Pink Perfection | XingfuMama

    […] For Terri’s Flower Hour #20 […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  7. Egídio Avatar
    Egídio

    How timely that your challenge is called desert florals, and I just got back from a week hiking at Big Bend Ranch State Park in the Chihuahuan Desert. Here’s the post:

    https://throughbrazilianeyes.com/the-deserts-crimson-crown-spring-awakenings-at-big-bend-ranch-state-park/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      I love when that happens, Egidio! Fantastic post, just read it. We’ve still got another 9 days to enjoy areas of the Sonoran Desert east of Phoenix and over near Tucson. My lenses will get some good workouts!

      Like

      Reply
  8. A tiny flower (in my garden) – bushboys world Avatar
    A tiny flower (in my garden) – bushboys world

    […] Terri’s The Flower Hour #19 […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  9. Smitha V Avatar
    Smitha V

    Hi Terri, I love the picture of the desert daisies. The leaves have a bluish tinge because of shadows and they look beautiful against the yellow daisies. I find bougainvillea delightful. In Kenya, the place is filled with them. They grow like mountains and add so much colour.This is mine for the week https://smithavpennings.com/2026/03/05/art-monets-poppies-tanka-tuesday-terris-flower-hour/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Smitha! I’ve always loved bougainvillea too, but have you seen the 2 inch spines on their branches? Yikes!

      Like

      Reply
  10. Soon They Will Stack Up | Out of My Write Mind

    […] Terri’s The Flower Hour […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  11. Egídio Avatar
    Egídio

    What a stunning collection, Terri! The flowers are beautiful in the morning light. Those shadows add incredible depth.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Egidio! I had planned another set of flowers from my archives then remembered the L-A prompt, and then saw the early morning light and shadows on the desert florals! I was thrilled with the results 😀

      Like

      Reply
  12. Maria Avatar
    Maria

    Desert flowers are so amazing!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      They are, Maria, do you miss them a little?

      Like

      Reply
  13. ghostmmnc Avatar
    ghostmmnc

    Some think the desert is just dry and brown and boring. It surely is not. It is full of gorgeous plants and colors and wildlife. You just have to open your eyes to see what is offered. Love the yellows and pinks of your post. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Barbara! Spring is a wonderful time to see desert blooms. When we were here last May for my father’s memorial, the saguaro cacti were a- abloom with their flowers. Amazing to see. Enjoy your daffies!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  14. Daffodils for March | teleportingweena Avatar
    Daffodils for March | teleportingweena

    […] For Terri’s challenge: here […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  15. Graham Avatar
    Graham

    Great photos Terri. Love the top one particularly. Do you know what kind of trees they are? I trust you’re enjoying the warmth. Here’s mine this week: https://grahamsisland.com/2026/03/04/beach-vitex-2/

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Graham! I was amazed when fellow blogger Ingrid took me there a few years ago. I googled Cave Creek area and copied some text: Arizona Sycamore (Platanus wrightii), Fremont Cottonwood (Populus fremontii), Arizona Willow (Salix arizonica), and Black Walnut.
      Because of the creek, I’m thinking those trees are willows, similar to what we have in Spokane. They grow next to water. I was surprised at this little oasis in the Sonoran desert. I can see the appeal of living there. I am enjoying the warmth, and blue skies. Low 80s predicted today. Wish I could bottle it and save it!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Graham Avatar
        Graham

        Well, it’s a fabulous place. Enjoy the sunshine!

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Beach Vitex | Graham's Island Avatar
    Beach Vitex | Graham's Island

    […] Beach Vitex (Vitex rotundifolia), or Pohinahina, is indigenous to Hawaii and the west Pacific.It’s planted in coastal areas such as the one below, because it’s very tolerant of salt, heat, and wind. Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour. See more responses here. […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  17. The Flower Hour #20: Daffodils – This is Another Story Avatar
    The Flower Hour #20: Daffodils – This is Another Story

    […] The Flower Hour […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  18. Eugi Avatar
    Eugi

    You have such a keen eye to capture nature’s beauty, Terri. What gorgeous photos! 💕

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Eugi! This photo shoot was in my brother’s front yard, just begging to be photographed!

      Like

      Reply
  19. Competing for Attention - Heaven's Sunshine Avatar
    Competing for Attention – Heaven's Sunshine

    […] Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  20. Linda Schaub Avatar
    Linda Schaub

    Terri, as we are about to embark on five days of rain, all this sun and warmth look great to me. Enjoy your stay in the sun and fun. I like the cacti – I think I mentioned before that my mom had two windowsill long cactus gardens for years. I was surprised to find out a few years ago that a Prickly Pear Cactus is very resilient and can overwinter outside in SE Michigan and come back just as hardy!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Cacti are everywhere! Several Saguaros here in my brother’s neighborhood are being propped up to prolong their lives. They get so big they can topple over.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Linda Schaub Avatar
        Linda Schaub

        I wondered if that might happen, if they get top heavy. That would be a shame to see the very old, tall Saguaros topple over and snap in two. I was enjoying seeing the landscape and desert plants in the neighborhood while following the Nancy Guthrie case.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
        Terri Webster Schrandt

        So, I’m told that because of the construction in Scottsdale, the saguaros were replanted and subsequently propped up. They can live up to several hundred years!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Linda Schaub Avatar
        Linda Schaub

        That’s amazing they were replanted and thrived! My grandmother would have “taken a snip” and tried it for herself. 🙂 She was famous for taking a piece of anyone’s houseplant and putting it in a baggie in her purse and starting a new plant at home. It’s more amazing the saguaros can last that long – I had no idea! about that.

        Liked by 1 person

      4. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
        Terri Webster Schrandt

        Next week, we’re visiting Saguaro National Park near Tucson. Supposed to be amazing!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Linda Schaub Avatar
        Linda Schaub

        I have seen pictures of that park and it does look amazing. A fellow blogger went to see it last year and had photos of her entire trip, a post each Wednesday.

        Liked by 1 person

  21. The Flower #Hour #20— 2026 March 03 – Gfpacificbee’s Insights & photography

    […] Terri’s The #Flower Hour #20-2026.03.03 […]

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  22. Suzette Benjamin Avatar
    Suzette Benjamin

    Wow, I love your photos, Terri. You are so good at capturing and expressing light in your photos. The Prickly Pear Cactus gives off great energy and closeness. Is that peak in the distance in the Cave Creek photo with the Saguaro Cacti part of the Arizona desert?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you so much, Suzette! Yes, to your question, there are many low mountain ranges with desert areas all around. Arizona’s southern part is home to the Sonoran desert which is also part of Mexico.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. Suzette Benjamin Avatar
        Suzette Benjamin

        Thanks for the information, Terri. The area looks so lush compared to what I imagine deserts to be like. The landscape is amazing!!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
        Terri Webster Schrandt

        The saguaro cacti can only thrive in a desert. Cave Creek is an active creek in the monsoon season that feeds many deciduous trees. I was surprised as well when I visited a few years ago. Arizona has 5 climate zones, 3 of which are deserts, and high altitude mountains and grassland. It’s a beautiful state!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Suzette Benjamin Avatar
        Suzette Benjamin

        Arizona sounds like a paradise with 5 climate zones and water sources to nurture the land. What a beautiful and rich landscape. Thanks againt for the details, Terri. Much appreciated.

        Liked by 1 person

  23. bushboy Avatar
    bushboy

    So many wonderful desert plants Terri. The light on the Prickly Pear is superb. How far is Cave Creek from Phoenix?

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Brian! No super bloom yet (or ever at this point) but the native plants are quite lovely. Glad you liked the shadowy prickly pear. Cave Creek is about an hour’s drive north east from Phoenix. Pretty area.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
      1. bushboy Avatar
        bushboy

        Thank you 😀

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Bay Photos By Donna Avatar
    Bay Photos By Donna

    Lovely shots, enjoy your trip and all it’s adventure!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Donna. Sure is nice to enjoy the warm sunshine!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  25. Wandering Dawgs Avatar
    Wandering Dawgs

    Beautiful! I love the bougainvillea.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  26. cindy knoke Avatar
    cindy knoke

    Lovely.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Cindy!

      Like

      Reply
  27. vermavkv Avatar
    vermavkv

    What a breathtaking return to the desert Southwest! 🌵✨

    Your post feels like a gentle sunrise unfolding over Cave Creek—warm, golden, and quietly powerful. I could almost feel the stillness of the morning light stretching across the hillsides, those majestic saguaro standing like ancient guardians of the landscape.

    The way you tied John’s “Shadowed” prompt into your desert florals was beautifully done. The Desert Daisy (Brittlebush) bathed in soft shadow feels poetic, and that Prickly Pear caught in the early morning light? Pure magic. You captured that delicate balance between light and dark so thoughtfully—Whitman’s quote couldn’t have been more perfect.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you Vijay! Nice and warm here compared to home! Hope you are enjoying your holidays!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  28. Susanne Swanson Avatar
    Susanne Swanson

    I love the beauty of the desert! I’m just a little bit jealous, as the rain has returned here and will be with us all week. The bougainvillea is gorgeous.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Thank you, Susanne! I’m told we’re having April warmth now! Upper 70s to mid-80s here. We’re really enjoying family time, and I sure appreciate the small break 🙂

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  29. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    I always enjoy seeing your flowers! And I of course love seeing the Southwest flowers.
    Enjoy your time in AZ.
    Sorry I missed you. 😞

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      I knowwwwww! 😪Thank you, Nancy, the weather has been beautiful here so far!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  30. photobyjohnbo Avatar
    photobyjohnbo

    It’s always fun to share new photos for a challenge instead of searching a gallery. Welcome to a warmer than usual February and March. We walk early in the morning (OK, 10 AM) now, to avoid the heat of the day here in Tucson. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Terri Webster Schrandt Avatar
      Terri Webster Schrandt

      Seems to be cooling down a bit this week. I’m welcoming the warmth!

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

What is YOUR perspective? Please include your name if WP identifies you as “anonymous.

● About Me

I’m a former university adjunct Professor and retired recreation & parks practitioner living in North-Eastern Washington State near the Idaho border. Second Wind Leisure Perspectives is my blog about living a leisure lifestyle, including photography, friends, fitness, and fun.

Find me on Social Media

Copyright Protected Blog

CC
SundayStills_blogbanner
flower hour badge

Top Posts and Pages

The Social Side of BloggingThe Social Side of BloggingSeptember 24, 2015
Who Is Terri?Who Is Terri?October 31, 2011
The Flower Hour #28: Flowers in WaterThe Flower Hour #28: Flowers in WaterApril 28, 2026
● Recent Articles

Blogs I Enjoy Visiting

Enchanting Essex
Enchanting Essex
Stories and photographs of my adventures in beautiful Essex County, south-west Ontario.
Suzette B's Blog
Suzette B’s Blog
Inspiration and Spirituality **Award Free**
Marsha Ingrao Always Write
Marsha Ingrao Always Write
Having fun blogging with friends
Hugh's Views & News  
Hugh’s Views & News  
WordPress & Blogging tips, flash fiction, photography, and lots more!
Through Brazilian Eyes
Through Brazilian Eyes
Nature and Travel Through Brazilian Eyes
Two Trails One Road
Two Trails One Road
Life is an Adventure
WALKIN', WRITIN', WIT & WHIMSY
WALKIN’, WRITIN’, WIT & WHIMSY
Strolling around SE Michigan & sending joy in the journey.
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Cats and Trails and Garden Tales
Musings on cats, travel, gardens and life