As we drove from Death Valley to the Lone Pine, California, we stopped to photograph some Joshua Trees in the mountains. It was really surprising to suddenly see trees growing in the harsh environments we’d been driving through. I spent most of my time photographing a joshua tree that had one branch lying on the ground. It really made for some interesting photographic opportunities.
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
The leaves of the joshua trees are long green spikes radiating out from a center point. The ones lying on the ground offered a unique perspective on the plant.
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
The leaves at the end of the fallen branch were still green, while the leaves further back had dried creating a nice contrast of the green and brown.
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
In late winter/early spring, the joshua trees bloom with white flowers. You can see one of the dried flowers on the end of one of the branches in this next photo.
(c) 2009 Patty Hankins
Someday I’d love to see the Joshua Trees in full bloom – from photos I’ve seen, the flowers are spectacular.