Description

After the Rain
Mariposa Lilies and Chicory, Catalina Mountains
22×28 oil on canvas

Arizona Highways Magazine Project

On a tip from my fellow flower hunter Veronika, I hopped in the Jeep on spring morning and headed down the Pinal Pioneer Parkway to Catalina State Park. She had spotted some deep orange Mariposa Lilies, which I just love. But it took a while to get there. If you know that roadway, you know it is an amazing drive after spring rains. The desert is lush and full of blooms, especially the closer you get to the Oro Valley. So, I made several stops when I spotted prickly poppies, pretty fields, cows, and fat cactus. Finally, I arrived at Catalina State Park and found my way up a trail near a flowing Sutherland Wash to find the blooms. Growing among the lilies were Chicory as well. It was a good day; I had the trail to myself and the mountains looked especially blue under the bright Arizona spring sunshine. I took a moment and soaked my feet in the cool wash after my hike.
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True Blue- Native Arizona Plants series