One of the reasons I moved to downtown Bristol was to free my self from the daily need of an automobile. Walking or biking from my home on High Street to My PassionFlower at 11 State Street is always a pleasure and a health benefit as well. When I do bring the car, I like to turn left off of High and go down Burnside to reach Hope Street while taking in all the creative energy that emanates from the Herreshoff Museum and boat building activities.
There is one house on Burnside that has a patch of Prickly Pear cactus growing at the front entry and recently I slowed down to address the owner of the house to ask if indeed it was prickly pear (Opuntia ficus-indica) growing. We chatted while he watered his newly seeded lawn and he offered me cuttings of the plant anytime I wanted. What a friendly neighbor!
Prickly pear is edible and has recently gained popularity as a "superfood" but that status might still be questioned. This plant can be boiled or grilled and made into jams and jellies and is high in fiber, antioxidants, and carotenoids. Some say it helps those with type 2 diabetes and is often used as a cure for a hangover. As my neighbor pointed out, it has yellow flowers blooming around the fourth of July and we all should be so lucky to have some growing in our gardens.
While right now my design eye is focused on the colors of Autumn and the coming Holiday season, I look longingly at my neighbors prickly pear and will now find a location to transplant some next year.
