Whether Phoenix is your destination or you are just passing through, the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-see. Our destination was Phoenix for a family wedding. With wedding events planned over a three-day weekend, we ended up with a morning free. The Desert Botanical Gardens is the perfect outing, and what an incredible find it is.
With over 50,000 plants featuring 4,379 different species spread across 149 acres, the Desert Botanical Garden is one of the largest cactus gardens in the world. The gardens showcase their collections of over 4,000 Agave and over 13,000 Cacti. The area also contains 379 threatened and endangered species. Protected from the extreme climate, plants from milder zones are displayed under artistically designed shade houses.
The History of the Desert Botanical Gardens
In 1937 a group of local citizens were concerned and wanted to preserve their desert habitat. Together they formed the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society. In 1939 they established the Desert Botanical Garden at its current site in Papago Park.
Four Distinct Habitats and Three International Collections
Today, the gardens boast four distinct habitats, including a Bosque habitat. A Bosque habitat is a forest habitat found in the flood plains of the southwestern United States. Also featured are semidesert, grassland, and chaparral habitats.
Throughout the 149 acres are hiking trails, paths, and paseos. These many trails pass through not only the habitats but their vast desert collections. Plan plenty of time for these hikes. Many of the plants in the Baja California collection may be familiar. Take your time strolling through the Australian and South American collections. A lot of these desert fauna are endangered species. Here you will find hundreds of species you may not have seen before, some looking like they came from another planet.
What a wonderful, peaceful morning we had strolling through the gardens. Having arrived early, we were able to quietly watch the quail, hummingbirds, and butterflies go about their morning routines.
Every Path Leads to a Postcard Perfect Picture Opportunity
Finally, with every turn and every path leading to a postcard-perfect picture, plan your visit accordingly. Spaced throughout the gardens are many sitting areas featuring artwork and water features. Take your time. Winter can be cold, and Summer very hot, so plan and dress accordingly. We have highlighted just a few of the hundreds of photos we took during our visit.
So what will your excuse be to travel to Phoenix? Will it be visiting friends or relatives, attending a preseason baseball game, or just passing through? Whatever your excuse is, a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, will be a highlight of your trip.
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