Pop-ups

The Rancho’s experiencing a bit of agave showiness I usually associate with springtime. Our attenuatas have sent out efflorescences in the side and back yards, and in the front yard another variety has sent up a stalk about as tall as a street lamp. I can’t say for certain but I think this spate of pop-up activity might have something to do with recent rains, some of which have been surprises. In fact, these pictures were taken two days ago, when we enjoyed showers our iPhone weather predictors missed altogether. Whatever the reason, I’m enjoying the show, as are passersby. I’ve seen Mt. Rubidoux walkers point as they amble past, especially at the tallest specimen in the front yard … I can’t help but feel pride! The sturdy fellow, above, is in the backyard, in our driveway; spectacular now, it will arc out far beyond its point of origin before it’s all over.

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Displaying an altogether different bent, this attenuata’s stalk has quite a personality. Doesn’t it seem to have a mind of its own, like it might turn and look you in the eye before lunging cobra-like?

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Here’s the height prizewinner in the front yard. Belonging to a potatorum that has enjoyed an overall growth spurt this year, the appearance of this stalk was a complete surprise. I can’t wait for the buds at top to flower … Amazingly sturdy right now, I know it will eventually dry out and the plant will die. That’s life, quite literally, for these wondrous succulents, and I’ve accepted it. I enjoy —and  love them — while they live.