Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Screaming yellow chamisa

Four and a half years ago, I planted seven chamisa plants around the perimeter of the backyard. 
They were about eight inches tall at the time.


Despite a constant battering of wind, very little rain, and much neglect on my part, the chamisa have thrived. 
The largest of the bunch is now topping seven feet. These shrubs are a bright green from March through September, 
then they turn screaming yellow in October.


The bees love them.




The butterflies love them.






In fact, just about every creature on earth ... and beyond ... loves them.
Go ahead. Roll your mouse between the margin and the image.


See what I mean?


Smooch: Mom, I think you need a vacation.


18 comments:

  1. Those are BEAUTIFUL! I've never seen any before and I like 'em!

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  2. They are gorgeous! Do they have a smell to them?

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  3. Is that what those plants are? I see them up in our local mountains, but I didn't know their name. Interesting...

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  4. I'm wondering why you had "to plant" chamisa at all as it sort of takes over any barren patch of the desert, giving us much needed bright color to the fading dry fall landscape. I call this stuff Rabbit Bush and it's what we call ADYA ("another damn yellow aster"). I'm sure your eastern readers aren't familiar with this as it is definitely a dominate western flora although I see New York state has some on the range map: http://www.swcoloradowildflowers.com/Yellow%20Enlarged%20Photo%20Pages/chrysothamnus%20nauseosus.htm

    I loved your little alien on the chamisa!

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  5. You are just so clever:-) Or wait a minute, was that real? I know you're in New Mexico. Strange things do happen there.

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  6. So the rumors are true about UFO's landing in NM eh! :P

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  7. Poor Smooch, sometimes she just doesn't get your humor.

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  8. Estella from Co.10/19/11, 7:34 AM

    I bet Smooch really enjoys them during the hot and windy days. They are beautiful, as is your photos. Hugs to all

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  9. Beautiful shot of Smooch relaxing in the shade you so graciously provided for her. She's sniffing the air; does she detect an alien presence?

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  10. I wish that I could be there to enjoy the gorgeous view in your backyard! Smooch looked so relaxing right among the beautiful background!

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  11. Isn't it amazing to see how plants change through the seasons? These are stunning - love the colour! Love the bees, the butterflies, and Smooch, too. Not sure about the other guy...*grin*

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  12. Never seen that plant/bush before. Very beautiful!

    Thanks for the morning giggle.

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  13. Gorgeous! They make a nice backdrop to show off Smooch's beauty.

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  14. You must be in the spirit of Halloween with the mouseover :)
    I have to get one of those bushes. Sounds perfect for me, and I LOVE the color. Gorgeous!

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  15. LOVE me some Smooch and love that last close-up! and your alien...thanks for the chuckles this morning :)

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  16. Call it what you like, it looks like a Sunshine Bush to me!
    And . . . erm . . . aren't dogs just so wise???

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  17. You can go on vacation, but you HAVE to take your camera and computer so we can follow you :) Those yellow bushes are stunning !!! Smooch is such a darling dog....we just lost ours last weekend..she would soon be 14...our hearts are broken :( Her name was Max and such a wonderful dog she was....Jeanne in SC

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  18. Loved the alien!!! Smooch just sits there so patient, what a cutie. Out of curiosty would Chamisa grow in the Pacific Northwest? I'm going to be landscaping soon and am looking for hardy and low maintence plants.

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