This week, Denzil’s Nature Photo Challenge #18 invites us to look at cacti. Well, apart from this one, taken in Kew Gardens, London, I have nothing to offer from England.
In Spain however, they are two a penny. Here are two from ordinary back gardens in daughter Emily’s home town near Barcelona.
And here, more spectacularly, are a few taken in Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción, Málaga. That’s where the header photo comes from too.
They’re striking things of course, cacti. But I tend to keep a very respectful distance from them. I’m quite relieved to have as the backdrop to my walks cowparsley, daisies and dandelions.
From Pyrenees to Pennines 
Love your angles.
Silhouette one is interesting
Last one is really thorny!
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Silhouettes, preferably at a very respectful distance, are the way forward when it comes to cacti.
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👍👍👍
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I was never very sold on them, Margaret, but in cactus gardens and plant fairs you do find some rather lovely ones. I like the small, flowering variety best, but I’m not averse to prickly pears and the like. Beggars and choosers coming to mind.
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I’m of much the same opinion Jo. Shall we whisper though? We may not be among the like-minded.
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😄🌵💛
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Well, I am of a like mind to you, so no need to whisper. The Malaga garden looks to have some interesting specimens, and I visited one in Lanzarote that was rather good
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The Iberian climate is an easy win I guess.
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Indeed
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I am not a fan either, but did once have one of those old man’s beard which got very dusty. The best I’ve seen outdoors have been in San Diego and Sydney. I might get a post done if I’m quick.
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Do it then Jude! This challenge needs you!
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Haha… Done. Scheduled for tomorrow 👍
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Hooray!
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I like seeing cacti growing outdoors. It says holiday to me! I’ve seen some spectacular ones in the American South West but I’m just as happy with a European prickly pear.
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I do see what you mean, but I find them hard to warm to. They have something of the triffid about them.
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Certainly wouldn’t like to imagine them on the move.
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Aaagh! Potentially painful!
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Interesting things to look at. From a respectful distance.
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That’s the way I like it too.
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Didn’t expect them in England but those ones look great. Not surprised to see them in Spain and you got some interesting angles there.
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Apart from a few places like Kew, you’d definitely do better in a Garden Centre than in any suburban garden whilst in England.
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We have cacti in the western US, in the desert area…but I’ve also seen certain kinds used as landscape in Alabama in the south of the US. I don’t think they’re native there, but it’s warm enough for them to survive there. I would like to get out west again sometime soon and do some exploring and photography, maybe with some cacti in the images!
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Don’t get too close! Macro photography probably best avoided!
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You are probably right!
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I know what you mean about keeping your distance! That opening shot is great, a whole hillside of cacti! And Kew is indeed always a good source of cactus photos in this country 🙂
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It was quite a place, that cactus garden. Currently on my way back from London – can’t wait to read your Brick Lane post properly … and to respond, of course!
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And I’m looking forward to seeing yours in due course 🙂
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They always make me feel hot
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… and bothered?
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No, sleepy!
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Fascinating plants, and some beautiful flowers when treated correctly!
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Correctly/respectfully!
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Those are beauties
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I think they’re particularly effective grouped together, as in Kew and Málaga.
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True Margaret
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Cactus alert indeed 😀 😀 I’ve not seen cacti like this since I visited New Mexico or Arizona. Delightful photos. 😀
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Of course! You’re much nearer to Cactus Central than me!
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Noce selection of interesting and hardy plants.
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They’re what I had. Glad they work.
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I quite like cacti, they are an illustration of how nature can find come up with species to cope in any kind of climate. And in your header photo, they almost look like sculptures!
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They do, don’t they? And somehow, though I admire cacti, I can’t quite come to love them. I guess it’s those spines.
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Great collection, Margaret! I loved the garden in Kew – but your other finds are not bad at all! I only have a few cacti, but find them very interesting plants.
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Wonderful photos of cacti, Margaret! We have these in Texas. 🙂
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I bet you do! Your daily landscape must be so different from ours.
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Good point (pardon the pun) Margaret; just imagine a typical olde footpathe overgrown not with brambles but cacti!
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Ouch! Nettles are bad enough!
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Lovely! I too have many photos from the Jardín Botánico Histórico – La Concepción in Málaga. I absolutely loved that garden!
We did too. The collection looked so at home here, didn’t it?
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