My Pesky Buyers in Salem Oregon found just the right home here in Sun City Mesquite NV and went home to pack and move. Little did Marilyn and Art know that they had a treasure in their new backyard. The Giant Argentine Pipe Cactus is common in the Mesquite desert landscape - it grows well in the desert in Nevada, Arizona and Utah. But their cactus had 46 buds growing as we were getting ready to close escrow. The seller had moved out a few weeks ago, and I kept going over to the house to check on the cactus, and take pictures of the blooms to show the new owners when they arrived.
We had a long winter in Mesquite, with lots of cloudy days and over 7 inches of rain already in 2011. That is almost twice our usual annual average. So when the Mesquite area desert cactus plants finally started to bloom, it was spectacular. Cactus grows well here, as well as many flowering shrubs and trees - including prize winning roses. In the desert. Mesquite is sitting on a huge aquifer, so we have our own water - full of minerals that the plants love.
The day after Art and Mike arrived at their new Sun City home, many of the cactus buds were starting to open. I was with some other buyers that day, and told them about it. The Argentine cactus blooms might only last one day before withering. Joanne and Keith were good sports about my little mission to get a picture of the "Argentine Cactus with The Most Blooms." They didn't seem to mind dropping by the house every couple of hours in between looking at Mesquite homes. Joanne took a couple of pictures, too.
By late afternoon, I thought I had some great shots with 8 to 10 blooms at a time. But Art called me after dinner and said, "you better get up here."
23 of the buds had bloomed, each flower was about 10 inches across, and the sun was about to set. I got this photo right before the sun set that night. And the next morning .... all withered already, completely dried up by the next evening.
I got my shot of the Argentine Giant Cactus just in time - the best in my collection of desert blooms! Next: the largest and bloomiest Ocotillo in Mesquite - and I already know where it is. :)
Mesquite Nevada Real Estate Agent ~ ~ ERA
Virginia Hepp ~ Mesquite Realtor 
VIrginia, that is absolutely amazing! My daughter lives in Tempe and I get to visit her in the last week of May. I can't wait. I sure hope there are some cacti still blooming then.
Wow, I've never seen an Argentine Giant Cactus until now. QUite lovely. Thank you for sharing a part of your world.
WOW Virgina, This is awesome. I have only a little lnowledge about cactus but I know when I am seeing something that is a rare event. You did good!
Last Fall I went to one of the largest Cactus Gardens Displays in the world near Pasacena at the Huntington. Researchers from all over the world go there to study what I can't even begin to describe. Naturall I took about 500-600 photos. And there you are having captured for all to see an event that at best lasts only a day. Well done Virgina!
Laura - The different varieties bloom at different times, depending on how regular the water supply is - hope you get to see some, if you get a pic, please add it in a comment.
Elisa - I have seen tons of the Argentines, but the bloom only lasts a day or so - you have to watch and wait for it.
William - thank you. I took at least 200 pics of it in varying stages of bloom that day - I may make a slide show. The blooms are just so surprising - and then gone, like it never happened.
I love all the wonderful surprises nature has in store for us when we just stop and pay attention. Wonderful shot of that Argentine cactus.
Just stunning Virginia! I've never been to Sun City Mesquite...I do think it's time to plan a trip out there! Hope you're doing well! and Annie too.
Thank you Geri - it took me all day to get that shot, and I love it.
Nellie - you are too lively for Sun City Mesquite. :) We are all well, Annie is busy in school, more computer stuff, she loves it.
Hi Virginia~
Great photo! Reminds me of home since we lived in the Greater Phoenix area for almost twenty years! Cactus was our landscape in many of our homes.
They are splendid when in bloom, and I love to see birds nesting in the flowers.
Best regards from Seattle!
Virginia, WOW the picture is great and a great story. Your client was so good to be on the watch for you, and help you to see the glory of this great cactus in bloom! Thanks for sharing. Here in Colorado we do not have the cactus.
Hi Judi - thank you - and amazing how many birds are in the desert.
Joan, I know you don't have cactus blooms. You have snow! :) My daughter lives in colorado springs, beautiful place to live and visit.
Virginia - I am always amazed at the beauty of some flowers that can grow on the desert. It seems such a hostile environment for plants. Yet, so many varieties manage to endure, and thrive. Your photo is amazing.
Dear Virginia -
It looks like our wonderful William missed telling how many points went to the first/second/third entries! It seems you are in that group! Thanks for getting those 200 photos so we could enjoy your favorite.
The artists Christo and Jean Claude specialized in art events that were like your magnificent flowers or like night blooming cereus - very effemeral and finite. Perhaps the Argentine Giant Cactus was an inspiration to them.
Have a happy day -
Lynn
Myrl - I think that is part of the beauty, they just pop out, sometimes overnight, from these dry and sometimes barren landscapes.
Lynn - I did not know that there are extra points for first entries. Many people here this cactus is a cereus, but it is the Argentine - it blooms suddenly in the sunlight and the blooms wilt overnight. I knew if I didn't get the shot, it would be gone in the morning. I will have to look up Christ and Jean Claude - thanks.
Woooow - that is beautiful, Virginia. This is something that we New Englanders rarely have the chance to see - thank you for sharing it!
That is awesome! And I love this story! So personal! Thank you for sharing it!
Virginia - Beautiful! I did not know the buds only last a few hours - perfect timing :)
Some great photos are by chance and some by hard work. I am glad you had clients that understood your mission! Congrats and good luck in the contest!
You were so lucky to have clients watch out for you and for you to be able to capture a floral arrangement in time before it's life ended!
Just gorgeous Virginia! Isn't it wonderful when you have clients who really care about you. I have quite a few of them. Congrats and Good Luck!!
What a gorgeous blossom Virginia! Good luck on the contest, I'm anxiously waiting for your next photo..
Kathryn - loved sharing it - the best shot of over 200 pics that day.
Christine - glad you liked it!
Petra - they bloom and die so quick - :(
Mike - they took a few pics themselves, it was so amazing.
Sally - I do have the best clients.
Lizette - We are lucky, aren't we?
Never knew a cactus could produce such a pretty flower. Good Luck!
Virginia, Gorgeous photo! Interesting how quick you have to be to see the blooms. I'm waiting to see the largest and bloomiest Ocotillo in Mesquite, especially since I'm not sure what an Ocotillo is. I love plants, so I will be watching for it.
Al and Peggy - This cactus is only 3 or 4 years old, too, but gets sun all day, hence the large amount of blooms.
Thanks for the reminder about the ocotillo, Joyce - I will get on that. :)
Joyce - I think I missed the biggest and bloomiest ocotillo in Mesquite, but I did get some pics of a couple of nice ones, will have them up pretty soon.
Hi Virginia~
I enjoyed reading the story...and most of all I loved the photo of the BLOOMS!!! so profuse! I had no idea that cactus could bloom this way...and so thanks for this gorgeous show...
janeAnne - it is amazing this time of year, all of the cactus are blooming now - really brightens up the desert.
Virginia, thank you for sharing a little bit of beauty from the Mesquite, Nevada desert with us...I've never seen anything like these cactus blooms before! :)
Hi Leilani - spring in the desert is a wonderful thing! I love the beauty of your area - I grew up in Carmichael, with many visits to my aunt in Roseville.
Virginia, I can't believe how quickly the blossoms open and wither- you have to be quick to catch such a spectacular show. Congrats on your perserverance and getting that shot! They are just beautiful.
Virginia - timing is everything - your photo is awesome! Good luck in the contest.
Wow, this is beautiful! What a great shot! And, thanks for the pick me up!
So unusual!
Wow Virgina that a gorgeous cactus. Amazing what a fleeting display of flowers it has. Seems timing is everything.
Virginia, I like cactus blooms. So succulent. Good luck with your entry...
Virgina,
Truly, this is an amazing bloom for an amazing woman! I am happy that you got to see this and it was an excellent choice for this photo contest. You deserve to be a winner! This is a rare and wonderful photo and story!
Patricia
Thank you, Mary - You can literally sit on a chair and watch them open up - much better than watching grass grow. :)
Barbara - the contest is fun - lot of entries, though, and from the pros.
Deb, you are welcome, it was a pick me up for me, too. All day, it just kept getting better!
Alison - yes, they look almost tropical.
Andre - it took me all day to get the timing right. LOL
Michael - I had to look up succulent. :(
Patricia - thank you for the double compliment!