I’ve lived in a desert for most of my life, and to be honest, I’ve always longed to live among the lush greenery that other parts of the country enjoy. Leafy trees, flourishing gardens, and rolling grassy hills have always seemed far more romantic to me than sandy mountains and cacti. But after living in the California & Arizona deserts for almost 2 decades, I have found myself admiring a variety of colors and delicate florals all over the place. Sprawling landscapes of sand and rock are dusted with blooms of purple Texas sage, orange Lantana, pink Bougainvillea, yellow Palo Verde—not to mention the range of blues and greens found on succulents. The shapes and colors of desert flora aren’t traditional, but they’re beautiful and lush in their own right. This collection takes a closer look at the desert to highlight its romanticism, and hopefully inspires you to take a closer look at the unconventional beauty right under your nose.