January of 2014 and completely by accident I happened upon a Portland house with cactus on its roof (
photos here). Over the years I tried to find it again, I was curious to see how the opuntia were doing. Were they still there? Had they multiplied? Try as I might I wasn't able to locate it. Then out of the blue I got an email from my friend Doug Norseth and he'd happened upon the same house, and took note of it's location! Naturally I did a drive by.
The cactus are indeed still there, but in the 7 years since I first photographed them they hadn't grown much, if at all.
I find this all very curious. If I were going to plant opuntia on my roof I'd go a little wild. If one or two plants made it through the first year then maybe a dozen plants would follow—but that's me. Obviously these folks are happy with just the two plants. Good on them. I am happy to see they're still there all these years later.
Weather Diary, Jan 26: Hi 41, Low 35/ Precip .20—some of which fell as snow
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How peculiar that there isn't any noticeable growth. The house on the other hand appear to have new sidings and paint. Maybe the garden will get some attention next.
ReplyDeleteI will remember to check back!
DeleteCurious how it hasn't grown much at all. I was half expecting it would have taken quite a chunk of the roof space. Unless it's been tidied recently.
ReplyDeleteOr I suppose weather could have also done some downsizing.
DeleteThat's pretty cool! I know where that is - in the old 'hood, if you will. Used to love passing by that on the way to Mt. Tabor. Always amazed at Portland creativity. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI thought about asking you where it was, as I remember you used to live nearby and I think we've even talked about it. But I kept forgetting!
DeleteLike the Opuntia in the tree at my local botanic garden, it may have been planted accidentally by wildlife. The botanic garden's odd Opuntia in a tree hasn't gotten very big either and I hazard a guess that their growth is limited by the space available to spread their roots.
ReplyDeleteThere's always a chance, but I think that sort of thing is much more likely in your part of the world.
DeleteIt looks to me like the one on the right has lost pads!
ReplyDeleteI think that was my issue with where I stood to take the photo.
DeleteI think that's so cool and strange, but I like the unexpected.
ReplyDeleteThis has nothing to do with today's post, but I am sure enjoying your book. It's really good. Not all gardening books are. I'm on page 90. Thanks for writing it. Laura
Thank you Laura, I really appreciate your saying so.
DeleteHmmmm...now this has me curious. Do they have anything else up on that roof? It looks like there are some mosses and maybe some other plants up there? Is there a staircase leading up there, so they can sit on the roof on fair-weather days? I want to pry over the top and see the magic...
ReplyDeleteDrone to the rescue! Well, if I had one, which I don't.
DeleteHaha - I see what you mean! Nope, you're right. An opuntia would not like my shady backyard, but I'm happy to tell you I have three little baby paddles getting a start in life in my community garden. For now, I just hope they will make it through the winter. :)
ReplyDeleteYay! Fingers crossed.
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