The extraordinary Sonoran Desert is featured at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix (http://www.dbg.org/) and I had the good fortune of spending the day there learning of the desert's wonders. The desert is a land of many contrasts. It's bright red while also being deep green. It's bleak while being incredibly inspirational. It's hostile while inviting, and stark but beyond stunning.The Saguaro Cactus is a centerpiece of the Sonoran and truly a miracle -- did you know that it has wooden "ribs" (see picture) that expand and contract as needed to hold water? The ribs act like slow-moving bellows. Unbelievable Mother Nature.
In addition to the natural wonders, the architecture of the Southwest is so warm and comforting. Neutral colors, earthy buildings, indoor/outdoor spaces, and secret spots of water -- all these elements combine to create calm spaces with the effect intensified by the region's hot dry air.This was my first trip to Arizona and I thank the Center for Population Dynamics (CePoD) at Arizona State University for supporting my visit. I was in their lovely state for just 2 days and I hope to return. I have faith that on my next visit I will also find the Saguaro safe, sound, and still ever-so-stately in their homeland, the Sonoran landscape.
