FALLEN CACTI

Who knew that a Barrel cactus would break off and fall over if they leaned too far? Who knew Barrel cacti had a tendency to lean? We found it out the hard way. Dear friends of ours gave us the cacti and even planted them for us over 20 years ago. They were tiny then. They grew and grew, and then one day we saw one of them laying down on the rocks. A short time later (probably about a month) the second one bit the dust (or I mean rocks). Now, how to get them moved was the question. They are EXTREMELY heavy. And those needles are sooo sharp.

Clif is good at figuring out how to fix things, so he set his mind to figuring out what to do. Here's the result.

Cut (saw) them into "manageable" size chunks.

Haul them around to the side of the house to await their turn in the trash can.

Then take a little break in the shade with a glass of ice water.

The goal: Get them all moved before the forecast high of 112º.

That Totem Pole cactus is leaning too. Is it just a matter of time? The Saguaro cactus is nice and straight.  I don't think it is in jeopardy. The Saguaro is "king of the cactuses (cacti)" These cacti were all planted at the same time about 22 years ago.

We love our desert - even when there are problems.