The Reward

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This cactus
is a 6 year
old friend.









She's not even
in full bloom
yet. Many baby
buds will soon
pop.







The color is
so vibrant
it hurts my
eyes.








I have not
enhanced these
colors at all.
Now THAT would
be a RED room!









This little
girl is only
2 and her 1st
time in bloom.









I'm
so
proud
and
delighted.




These grow in
perfect rings
around the
top. Each year
a new row
appears.




Notice how the
tines completely
protect the bud
until it blooms.
It also grows
an angel hair
like substance
to ward off water
and insects.
Such a clever
Creator.






This sweetie also
is a first time
bloomer. She was
knocked over 2
years ago and I
thought I was
going to loose her
from re-planting
shock. She looks
a little shy :)









The white is
so pure against
the vivid red.



And so ends our
cactus lesson
for the day.
I hope these
spring beauties
encourage you to
warm up to
the more prickly
side of nature.
They're not too
fond of being
touched...but
they'll give you
a feast for the
eyes.