A Contrast of Trees 142/365

Phoenix has one of the most prolific varieties of trees, shrubs, and flowers of any place in the world. When people began to populate this area in the late 1800s, they brought all their plants from whence they came. Even though we are in the desert, we have a very intricate system of canals that channel water throughout our Valley. Some of these canals were actually started by the Hohokam Indians between 600 AD and 1450! Pretty amazing, huh? So far we have no water shortage here, with our water coming from the Colorado River through the Central Arizona Project canal system, which is primarily fed by the melting snows from Northern Arizona. This picture was taken on Central Avenue just north of Northern Avenue, about one mile from my home. Our pecan trees have finally (in almost mid-December) started turning a golden hue. Arizona is a major producer of pecans. The green tree in the foreground is an olive tree. Most of them in the city are sprayed to keep them from producing fruit (very messy!). Then of course to the left of the olive tree is a palm and the bougainvillea in full bloom. Across the street is shammel ash. We have very few red fall leaves in Phoenix. As you go north into Oak Creek Canyon north of Sedona one can find beautiful red leaves. Some kind of oak, I believe. I think it's too warm here for maples.

Today's News: Annual tamale fest begins in Cesar Chavez Park. Oh, how I wish I could go. Last year 75,000 tamales were sold!

Today in History: 2001 - Winona Ryder shoplifted from Saks 5th Avenue.