Phoenix, Arizona is considered low desert/subtropical part of the country with mild temps and very hot growth stunting summers. Their growing season is Nov-March
USDA Gardening Zone 9-10, Sunset Zone 13
The most popular spot to see Phoenix in all its natural beauty is the Desert Botanical Gardens located up against the Papago Buttes in Phoenix bordering Tempe city limits.
The Botanical Gardens was created in 1939 and is one of the few Botanical Gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums.
You can either take a guided tour of the gardens or a self-guided tour.
The garden is divided into several different trails including the brick path
Desert Discovery Trail, which is the Garden’s Main trail and is has the Botanical Garden’s oldest desert plantings.
From this path you can easily become sidetracked if you veer to your right you will enter the Herb Garden, which is a garden of desert adapted herbs.
If you walk back to the main brick path you can walk up the next path to the outdoor café or keep walking to the next trail the Sonoran Desert Trail (uphill) with beautiful views of the Saguaro Cacti.
The trail next to this one is Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert-this trail is more interactive and one of the kids favorite trails, some great views from here as well.
After viewing this trail find your way back to the brick path you will pass the butterfly exhibit and the Succulent and Cactus houses this will bring you full circle to the beginning of the main paved trail. Don’t forget to wander down
The Desert Wildflower Trail, with the backdrop of the striking Papago buttes, you can view the colorful desert wildflowers and learn the importance they play in Arizona’s ecosystem. This trail is off the main trail, it is located to the right of the entrance back behind the Gift Shop.
The Botanical Garden has many seasonal exhibits throughout the year.
Our favorites include the Spring Butterfly Exhibit (usually in March-May) and the Monarch Exhibit (usually Sept-Nov)
To see more photos click on links below:
Desert Botanical Gardens during the Chihuly Exhibit in 2009
Photos of Butterflies taken at the Desert Botanical Garden
If you would like to visit the Desert Botanical Gardens:
Address:201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ
Hours: October - May / 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
June - September / 7 a.m.-8 p.m.
Admission: $15.00 for adults, $5.00 for kids 3-12, kids under 3 free -Call 480-941-1225 to make reservations
Please check their website for the most up to date information
Website: Desert Botanical Garden
Another spot in "the Valley" to see flowers is at the
Sahuaro Ranch Rose Gardens in Glendale, Arizona
If you would like to visit the Sahuro Ranch Park
Address:
Hours:
Admission:
Please check their website for the most up to date information
Website: Sahuaro Ranch Park
Mesa Rose Gardens:
View Photos from other botanical gardens
Happy Gardening!
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