For me, the beautiful bright magenta flowers of the hedgehog cactus herald true spring.

Every home we've lived in since moving to Arizona 20 years ago has been blessed with at least one hedgehog cactus and the hedgehog cactus has always been the first cactus to bloom in the spring. I know when I see their gorgeous flowers that the other cacti are not far behind.

Seems like everything has started blossoming in just the last few weeks. The palo verde trees are putting on a magnificent display as are the ocotillo with their fiery red tips. Although the ocotillo are not a true cactus they are widely recognized and indigenous to the Sonoran Desert. We are blessed to be in an area rich with natural desert flora and this year we are seeing an abundance of healthy plants and hillsides resplendent with vibrant color.