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.