There are two emotions that dwell in the hearts of those who have experienced a desert wildflower “super bloom”: hope and reality.There is always hope that winter rains will be generous, bringing the reality of a spring desert covered in yellows, purples, reds and indigos as wildflowers add seasonal color to the desert.It was mild and sunny in the desert last week and the arid sands were painted in glorious hues of yellow, purple and white with an October wildflower bloom.
“On September 22, the equinox, the temperature, sun angle and time of daylight were identical to a March flowering period,” Jorgensen said.“So, 2 or 3 inches of rain after a drought period was perfect,” Jorgensen said. The result of this magic blend of rainfall, sunlight and temperature is a carpet of tiny yellow chinchweed in areas of the Borrego Badlands, Coyote Canyon, Blair Valley and Culp Valley.
Even the flying ants and pesky gnats were on scene within a week of the heavy rains, and the magnificent desert bighorn sheep have thousands of acres of lush indigobush to thrive on as they prepare for breeding season.