As a general garden rule, I do not like — and so steer away from — plants that can hurt me. Roses are about as close as I get to this thorny issue, which has less to do with the plant and more to do with me. I know me. I know that I can be careless and klutzy — and that combination, along with some blood thinners, means I can easily become a human pin cushion.
A few years ago, Joe and I asked a neighbor if he would like our cactus. It was tall, only one stalk, and never really did anything. It was just there, slightly askew — a leaning tower of needles, so to speak.
The neighbor gladly accepted the offer, digging up the cactus and replanting it along the property line between him and us — far enough and close enough at the same time. Since then, that single stalk has expanded to about seven towering stems — and it’s now in bloom, giving a whole new definition to vertical gardening.
Look quickly, though, the flowers — which bees love — only last a day.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
wonderful post, thanks
Hi Paddy Picasso. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Be well!
thanks
🙂
I cant wait to get a colored one
Hi Sharon. For much of the year, I’m not a cactus fan — and then they bloom, and they are incredibly beautiful!
Are back up north for the summer?
Hi Mary. I decided to finish out the summer in Florida. Be well!
I too am not so fond of thorny plants. My roses get me very time. Cactus would too so I steer clear. Nice photos of them though.
Hi Donna. They are a thorny business — and so I’m not a fan. Then they bloom — and I get pulled right in. 🙂
Beautiful macro 🙂
Hi Scottsdale. Glad you enjoyed the photos — although you must be accustomed to cactus blooms in your part of the country. Thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment.
great shots !!!!
Thanks Gwennie!
the flowers are truly beautiful. I like the ephermeral nature of some plants, blink and you miss the wow. But how great for you that you still get to see such a beauty, all be it from a safe distance. great photos too Kevin!
Hi Claire. I’m looking at that same cactus right now. Not a bloom in sight. It was all rather quick — but worth it. 🙂
I know these cactus flowers well, Kevin. I have had a similar experience, beginning with a small column of cactus that has now become quite large. I look forward to the blossoms and take hundreds of photos almost every time. (Not sure why I do that!) and then, just as you say, they’re gone! How lovely that you shared with your neighbor and that now the cactus and blooms are shared on the property line! Great photos.
Hi Debra. The columns are bare now — but on a recent walk, I spotted another home with a different looking cactus bloom. I can’t wait!!!