The Ground Beneath My Garden Pt. One

The ground beneath my garden has been inhabited by man longer than the mind can imagine. Much longer than most experts would venture. I know, because those who were here, remain. Perhaps not in the flesh, but certainly in spirit. Their presence is palpable, their impact undeniable. They were true trailblazers, pioneers in mining and irrigation. Without their extraordinary efforts, the entire phoenix area would have remained uninhabitable.

Much of the foliage in my yard is not indigenous to the valley. Little is. Various vegetation was brought in from around the world, including most varieties of Palm and Bamboo, numerous succulents, the much-dreaded Salt Cedar, and the omnipresent Oleander. (Just to name a few). Although my little yard is less than half an acre, it contains over a hundred different varieties of trees, shrubs, cacti, succulents, vegetables, flowers and grasses.


Cactus Garden

To help with the homework, I have acquired a rather impressive collection of books on the subject, but of course, one does not develop a green thumb by reading about gardening. It is a work related condition, like say, Carpal Tunnel syndrome. Dirt is a pre-requisite. If you don’t like dirt, your garden will never be happy.

Much of my emphasis will be on the extensive cactus garden lining the property, but on occasion, I may touch on aspects of primitive irrigation technology or other cultural anecdotes when applicable. Rest assured, there is enough in this garden to write about until the cows come home. Or the Papago, or whomever.


Old Man Cactus

I’ll also be posting as many photos of the garden as I can, as a picture is still worth a thousands words. Be sure to check back often, and don’t shy away from offering up an opinion or correction, or say perhaps you just feel like taking a poke at someone. Don’t sweat it. I get poked in my garden, damn near every day.

Mayan Influence on Sonoran Culture

Experts believe the Mayan Indians played an important roll in the cultural advancement of the Sonora Desert region. The Mayas were among the most sophisticated peoples of the pre-Columbian era, credited with having developed written language as well as a complex and amazingly accurate calendar. Even before the discovery of metallurgy, they were able to erect extraordinary structures using only stone and a simple form of mortar. The Mayas are gone now, but examples of their genius remain for us to appreciate.


Mayan Calendar

One such example of classic Maya genius is evident in their use of the Corbel Arch, a forerunner of the modern arch, and a huge engineering advancement for the period. Cut stones were arranged to form an upside-down ‘V’ shaped entryway, primarily supported by the weight (counter-weight) of the stones themselves.

The Maya were deeply spiritual, honoring their gods with extravagant works of art. Although the jungle has reclaimed much of what was once the Mayan empire, many examples of their culture remain. Because so many of these works were carved into solid stone, much of this artwork has survived the ravages of time, providing a glimpse into the daily lives of these amazing people.

The Mayan Florescent period was perhaps their most creative era, producing impressive sculpture, hieroglyphs, pottery and exquisite figurines. These objects were created using essentially Neolithic techniques, relying on stone tools, made from granite, quartzite, limestone, obsidian and flint. Stones were utilized for a variety of tools. Some were split and hafted to create chisels and axes. Other were used for grinding, scraping and drilling purposes. Even after the discovery of metallurgy, metal tools remained rare in Mayan culture for many years.



Mayan builders utilized plumb lines, levels and other methods for squaring their structures, allowing for the construction of impressive temples and pyramids, many which still stand. A form of plaster was often applied to the exterior of buildings, creating a beautiful façade. Unfortunately, this process required the burning of excessive amounts of timber, resulting in deforestation, leading to a plethora of problems for the indigenous people, and perhaps contributing to their eventual downfall.

Indeed, the Mayans were an industrious people, and their contributions numerous. Although they have vanished from existence, their legacy remains strong.

B. Thomas Cooper

Welcome to Sonora Desert Garden

Welcome to Sonora Desert Garden,



The Sonora Desert is known for it’s warm, dry climate, but for many it represents a potential oasis of breathtaking foliage, just waiting for the right moment to explode with life.

Gardening isn’t really one of my strengths, but I seem to fake it better than some. That having been said, perhaps we can share this adventure and learn as we go along. Oh, by the way…The old timers say everything in this desert either bites, pokes or stings, and that mi amigos, ain’t no lie.

I’ve got the gloves, you’ve got the time, so let’s go have a little fun with this, shall we…

B. Thomas Cooper