Scientists report that nearly one-third of all cactus plants are at risk of extinction due to habitat loss, development and human trafficking of plants from the desert to private gardens. We don’t think of cactus’ and succulents as fragile, but with the warming of our climate and changing weather patterns, they are vulnerable and threatened.
Sometimes we don’t see the beauty of cactuses with their comely and unattractive exterior, but if you have seen the beautiful flowers cactus plants produce, you will see that they can be the most gorgeous flowers on Earth. With vibrant colors and spectacular blooms, they are unique, bold, bright and eye-catching. Here is a portfolio of photos taken from Ruth Bancroft Garden in Walnut Creek, CA– a 2.5-acre public dry garden with more than 2,000 cactus, succulents, trees, and shrubs native to California, Mexico, Chile, South Africa, and Australia.
Photography Credit: All photos by Jennie Richards
Photography Credit: All photography by Jennie Richards
