Desert Botanical Gardens
Over 50,000 desert plants, 169 of them rare and endangered, are on display for visitors at the Desert Botanical Gardens, set against the red rock buttes of Papago Park in Phoenix, Arizona. The garden's mission has, from its inception, been to showcase and protect desert plants from around the world. Themed trails are open for exploration on foot and rotating exhibits showcase the desert's different blooming plants and wildlife. An herbarium, gift shop, library and cafe are also available. Desert Botanical Gardens is open daily year-round, with the exception of holidays, as of November 2009.
Desert Botanical Gardens
1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 8508
(480) 941-1225
dbg.org
Tucson Botanical Gardens
A relatively young botanical garden, the Tucson Botanical Gardens strives to educate and promote the use of water and desert appropriate plants. Several themed areas are open to visitors, covering such topics as children's discovery, prehistoric and butterfly gardens. Open daily, except holidays, tours are included with admission, as of November 2009; a garden cafe is available for bistro-style meals and baked goods.
Tucson Botanical Gardens
2150 North Alvernon Way
Tucson, AZ 85712
(520) 326-9686
tucsonbotanical.org
Tohono Chul Park
More than just a botanical garden (though certainly that is the main attraction), this Tucson area park is a popular spot for weddings, art exhibits, or even afternoon tea at the tea room. Named one of the World's 10 Best Botanical Gardens by Travel+Leisure magazine, Tohono Chul Park covers 49 acres and offers daily hands-on workshops for all ages. Grand in scope, several themed gardens cover the park, including special areas for children, and walking trails that highlight native plants of the desert, such as night blooming cereus. Open daily, except holidays, hours vary by season as of November 2009, including special evening hours during the summer blooming season.
Tohono Chul Park
7366 N. Paseo del Norte
Tucson, AZ 85704
(520) 742-6455
tohonochulpark.org
The Arboretum
Located in Flagstaff, Arizona, the Arboretum is home to over 2,500 species of high-elevation plants and operates as a research station and education center. Guided tours though the gardens are recommended for first time visitors, but you may also simply wander on your own through several miles of marked and labeled trails. Daily birds of prey demonstrations are also offered at the arboretum, where you can experience falcons, hawks and owls up close. The Arboretum is open daily from April 1st until October 31st, as of November 2009, with the exception of school-wide closures due to snow.
The Arboretum at Flagstaff
4001 S. Woody Mountain Road
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 774-1442
thearb.org
