It's so hard to know when you are actually dealing with a pure Washingtonia Filifera (California Fan Palm) when you are at the nursery or Lowe's or Home Depot. They're generally and almost always now Filibusta hybrids. I live in Palm Springs, the literal home both spiritual and literal of the California Fan Palm. In fact there's s as beautiful 75-80 year old one right in front of my gallery. I collected some fresh seed, actually let them dry out and then simply tried to recreate the dynamics in nature.
I planted them into soil in these party cups. I kept the soil moist and after a few weeks in the shade moved them into sporadic sunlight. The desert conditions I felt would give these a real chance. After about 60 days and when I thought there was no hope. I saw the first little head poked out. These are now 4 weeks after they sprouted. Someday they will be gentle giants with pure Filifera dna. Now I have to start thinking about where they will go! I live in a condo complex, I think I'll conspire with the property landscaper and have him help me plant these and watch out for them until they become safe on their own.
Go outside and look West towards Mt. San Jacinto. The rocket should rise over the mountain a few minutes after lift off.
Back with another curated roundup of what's happening in the desert this week.
The festival starts Friday, but the valley's been moving all week. Desert Rodeo runs all three days at Desert International Horse Park in Thermal. QOTSA is doing a two-night stand (Joshua Tree Retreat Center on Friday, Agua Caliente on Saturday). Indio is throwing its own free party downtown on Saturday called the Giddy Up Lounge at Center Stage. Plus the Palm Springs Big Gay BBQ on Saturday and Sunday, La Quinta's 44th birthday, the final DHS Farmers Market of the season before summer pause, and a lot more.
This week's issue covers today through next Tuesday with times, locations, and links. You can get the full breakdown at thedesertletter.com or find me on IG - (https://www.instagram.com/p/DXcz\_PnAVht/)
Joshua Tree Music Festival is right around the corner!!! May 14-17th is sure to be a weekend to remember ✨
~If you are undecided on checking it out, this is your sign to CHECK IT OUT!!~
The vibes are unmatched and the music variety is so epic!! Plus it's geared to be one of the most family friendly environments— with tons of activities for all ages !
This event is one of the greatest magical curations in the world & we are very blessed to be this close to the magic!!!
As an ambassador, my job is to get you there !! ✨ remember to use an ambassador code to save on a full weekend pass!!**
There are also single day passes available!!**
(Price bump is happening TOMORROW April 23rd after 11:59PM— secure your tix NOW!)
If you are interested in getting more involved with the event, there are plenty of work exchange opportunities available in exchange for your weekend pass!**
LET'S TALK! 🥳✨❤️🎶
Going to PS for a long weekend and eating out for dinner most if not all the nights we’re there!
Family friendly, maybe hidden gems, good Mexican or just downright good!
Staying short walking distance to downtown and don’t have a car!
TIA! :)
Saw a blimp, Goodyear maybe, flying through PS this morning. That seems like it would be really pretty. Sorry about the suck pictures. I swear I took them with a phone and not a potato.
Looking at going to mount event - their website is hard to use. Seeing what people’s option is if them. Top here
We are a fit couple in our early 50s seeking a luxe, romantic weekend hotel getaway in or around PS without kids in late May. We do not want rustic. More upscale. We’d also love a fantastic pool to lounge by all day and I thought The Parker would fit the bill, but now I’m worried reading about the decline in rooms from a few years ago. Is that still the case? What’s a close second or third choice you might recommend? Thanks so much for your guidance!
I currently have Verizon and pretty much anywhere south of the curve on Palm Canyon Dr is a dead area for me. For instance, the shopping center at Smoketree where Jensen’s is, I get zero service. It’s really bad. What is your experience in that area with your cell service?
Are golf shorts acceptable for men?
Hey all - just looking for any good PS recommendations for the spooky divination arts: a great tarot reader, psychic, palm reader, or astrologer. I’m going to be in town for a while and would like to get some readings done. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
I am treating my little bro (23y) to a trip to Palm Springs & some golf. He’s in his “Golf Cart Girl” phase lol and he’s my favorite person so which course do yall recommend? Is there a course to definitely avoid? The cost is not a worry - I just want him to have a blast for his 24th bday! Ty in advance!
I’m looking to take a weekend trip to Palm Springs in the near future. I’m recently widowed (less than a year), and I’m not looking to hookup or party, just to escape my day-to-day and socialize with other gay men. Any suggestions? Doesn’t have to be Palm Springs proper.
Volunteers needed to help plant trees during Earth Day and Arbor fest this Saturday, April 25
Does anyone know what happened to Spencer Blum from KESQ?! Haven’t seen him for about 2 weeks?!? Did he move or leave!!? I always thought he did a fantastic job at covering the weather.
Madonna said Monday, April 20, she is offering a reward for information leading to the recovery of the outfit she wore on stage, which went missing after her surprise appearance during Sabrina Carpenter's set at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio.
I am visiting Palm Springs for the first time this week, Wednesday - Saturday. I didn’t realize my visit would be during StageCoach until someone I told about my visit reacted with “prepare for crowds”. Does the PS vibe shift significantly when these big music festivals are happening?