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Going Green: Living With Nature in the Sonoran Desert

Mortgage and Lending with SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) NMLS 223495

July 06, 2008 04:53 PM

Ocotillo, a living fence in the Sonoran Desert

The Arizona-Sonoran Desert is my home, and it's the home of one of our favorite desert plants.

It's called Ocotillo, and its long, thin stems studded with thorns make it the perfect poor man's fencing material.

The interesting thing is that when the cut end touches the ground, the Ocotillo sends out roots, and establishes itself once more as a living plant.

Ocotillo becomes a living fence!

Now that's what I call "going green!"

I'm Mike in Tucson, your preferred Tucson, Arizona mortgage lender.

Think of me as your local expert.

photo copyright Mike in Tucson

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Steve Shatsky

Dallas, TX

Sounds like the desert version of bamboo!!! It sure looks nice.

Jul 06, 2008 04:55 PM

Gary Woltal

Keller Williams Realty - Flower Mound, TX

Assoc. Broker Realtor SFR Dallas Ft. Worth

Mike, I like the way it grows straight up and thin like you said like a fence. Very cool desert plant.

Jul 06, 2008 05:42 PM

Bob & Carolin Benjamin

Benjamin Realty LLC - Gold Canyon, AZ

East Phoenix Arizona Homes

We have tried and tried and tried to get the lovely Ocotillos to grow for us. And despite thoughtful care that we have given them, they all have managed to die. After the third died we just planted a bush.

Jul 06, 2008 06:47 PM

Susie Blackmon

Ocala, FL

Ocala, Horses, Western Wear, Horse Farms, Marketing

I was ignorant of this plant and wonder if they were in Santa Fe and I just didn't know it! Isn't nature amazing! You might have noticed I'm obsessed at the moment with all the beautiful flowers blooming here in WNC. Enjoyed your post and photo!

Jul 06, 2008 07:24 PM

Don Rogers

Keller Williams Realty Chesterfield - O'Fallon, MO

Realtor, Broker, CDPE, GRI, OnullFallon MO & St Charles County MO homes

Mike thank you for the suggestion. I needed some of that fencing not long ago when my neighbors dog kept digging under my fence and other neighbors fences too.

Don R.

Jul 06, 2008 10:48 PM

Judy Greenberg

Compass - Long Grove, IL

Compass- Long Grove -Buffalo Grove

Mike....That's really Green! I love it!

Jul 07, 2008 12:13 AM

Judy Tuscano

Prudential Verani Realty - Nottingham, NH

NH Real Estate Professional

Mike - it looks like a good deterent for animals as well as some humans you may want ot keep away! lol

Jul 07, 2008 12:28 AM

Terry & Bonnie Westbrook

Westbrook Realty Broker-Owner - Grand Rapids, MI

Westbrook Realty - Grand Rapids Forest Hills MI Re

Each area has it's own unusual vegetation and I am amazed by the differences and how they adapt to the environment they are in.

Jul 07, 2008 03:27 PM

Michael and Cheron Lange

Solutions Real Estate - Chandler, AZ

Associate Broker, GRI

Mike,

I just love the Ocotillo, it's also one of my favorite desert plants. After 15 years here in the desert, the Saquaro still fascinates me.

Cheron Lange

Jul 08, 2008 02:51 AM

Mike Jones

SUNSTREET MORTGAGE, LLC (BK-0907366, NMLS 145171) - Tucson, AZ

Mike Jones NMLS 223495

Cheron,

Saguaros are so impressive. Grand. Majestic.

Terry,

Thanks for commenting. Plants are a wonder.

Judy T,

If you're not watching where you're going, Ocotillo will reach out and touch you!

Judy G,

It is, isn't it!?

Don,

You can buy it at Home Depot here in Tucson. The plant looks completely dead when you buy it, but once in the ground, it comes alive.

Susie,

I don't know if they grow in the colder climate of Santa Fe. I bet someone will comment who knows.

Carolin,

Thanks for stopping by to comment. Maybe it's the thoughtful care that's doing them in. We just stick a piece in the ground every foot or so for three or four feet. One will live.

Gary,

It's my Darlin's favorite desert plant.

Steve,

Thank you for being the first to comment! Come again any time.

Mike in Tucson

Jul 08, 2008 04:18 PM

David Smith

Real Estate Blog Lab - Tucson, AZ

Nice Photo!

Aug 21, 2008 12:26 PM

Going Green: Living With Nature in the Sonoran Desert

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