Cares of the past are behind
Nowhere to go but I'll find
Just where the trail will wind
Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed
Nowhere to go but I'll find
Just where the trail will wind
Drifting along with a tumbling tumbleweed
New to the desert, I've enjoyed watching the occasional tumbleweed roll about and have even had to dodge a couple while driving during high winds.
Several plants turn into "tumbleweeds". They are usually annuals that develop a round, bush shape. At the end of their growing season and when their seeds are "ripe", the plant withers and detaches from its base. That's when it starts blowing around and scattering its seeds. The "tumbling" habit of these plants is natures way to help it disperse seeds!
Some of our Borrego Springs tumbleweeds are actually the dreaded Sahara Mustard that seems to be taking over the Anza-Borrego Desert Park's famous wildflower areas. This alien invader is now growing profusely throughout the Borrego Valley and up the canyons threatening indigenous plants and especially the Spring wildflower display. Volunteers are needed during Spring to help pull Sahara Mustard from identified areas. For information: www.borregospringschamber.com/mustard/index.html
We have another Tumbleweed in Borrego Springs - our local home, garden and design store! It happens to be my favorite retail therapy destination in town.
Tumbling Tumbleweeds (No-Bake Treats)
1 - 12 oz. bag butterscotch chips
¼ cup peanut butter
1 cup Spanish peanuts or salted peanuts
One large can crispy chow mein noodles
Directions
Combine butterscotch chips and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl. Heat no more than one minute on full power. Stir, then continue to heat in 30 second intervals until mixture is melted and smooth.
Thoroughly mix in the peanuts and chow mein noodles. Spoon into small heaps onto a wax paper lined cookie sheet. Using a fork to spoon out the mixture works nicely. Put cookie sheet in refrigerator (or in the freezer if you’re anxious) until firm. Keep refrigerated.
Note: You can use half chocolate chips and half butterscotch chips, but they won’t look like tumbleweeds!
