I was at a conference outside Phoenix the last few days, and in between meetings I managed to get out and look around a bit. There’s a lot of beauty in the contrast between the dry desert and the areas that are artificially or naturally irrigated (river banks, golf courses, farmland, etc). And, wouldn’t you know, there was a little farmer’s market I was able to visit. A lot of the produce was similar to what we can get here in DC, but there were a few things that were specific to the area. Imagine being able to get citrus and olives and dates at your local market!
I think this is agave.
The citrus farmer at the market sold blood oranges, valencias, navel oranges, and the biggest lemons I'd ever seen. Seriously, they were almost as big as grapefruits! I bought two and brought them home with me in my suitcase.
I also bought some of those dates there on the left side of the photo.
The wonders of irrigation.
They were selling pepper plants that had been shaped into trees, bonsai-style. My pepper seedlings have some catching up to do.
I sort of think there are too many golf courses everywhere, but they sure provide a good background for photos!
Mmm. I love good dates! (And I’m not trying to make a pun.)
That last picture is simply stunning!