Desert Botanical Garden

After surviving my rattlesnake encounter at Saguaro National Park, I decided to spend the day at the tame Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. This was my second visit to the garden, I had visited two years earlier in the month of December. I was hoping, since it was March, that I might see some cacti in bloom. I was a little on the early side, but I was able to see a few types of cacti blooming, that I had never seen in bloom before.

A Cholla Cacti Getting Ready to Bloom

This was the first cactus that I encountered that was getting ready to bloom. If I had just been a week later, I would have been in for a real treat. Although I missed the peak blooming season for the cacti, I was able to enjoy the spring butterfly exhibit.

Gulf fritillary

Unfortunately, for me, I unwittingly showed up on free admission day…so there was a long line and a lot of people. The exhibit contained plentiful butterflies, many beautiful host and nectar plants, a caterpillar nursery and an emergence chamber where you can watch the butterflies emerge from their chrysalises. The exhibit is open until May 13th and entrance to the exhibit is included in the cost of admission, and free on the second Tuesday of every month. You will find it on the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail. It was a nicely run exhibit. I thought they did a better job than the Chicago Botanic Garden. They had more space and more butterflies. However, if you want a truly immersive, amazing butterfly encounter, visit Butterfly Wonderland in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Desert Terrace Garden Trail

The first time I came to the garden, I was amazed by the variety of cacti and succulents. I have seen many varieties of them at the Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago, as well as, at the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Mitchell Park Domes in Milwaukee, but never so many and so large. This display greets you as you head onto the main loop of the garden. Off of the main loop, there are three smaller loops. There is the short Center for Desert Living Trail, which contains their herb and vegetable gardens.

Boojum Tree

Next up is the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail, which is where I came across my first Boojum Tree.  You should google Boojum Tree; they are a really unique and unusual looking tree, growing very tall into a pointed tip with only those little branches sprouting out all over, like a bad hair day. They really captured my attention and I have around 25 pictures of the same tree to prove it.

Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail

The far end of the trail leads you to this view. I am not sure where the property line of the park ends, but you are not allowed to climb up the mountain from the park. Happily, I had no snake encounters of any kind; however, I kept hearing the funniest sounding bird and would catch a glimpse of something running across the ground, followed by another sound and another animal chasing after the first. I finally managed to spot the group of six quail who seemed to be playing follow the leader. They seemed to be on a mission to get somewhere. Where, I could not tell, because they seemed to be running in a giant circle. I had just refilled my water bottle at one of the filling stations (which are located throughout the park…bring water!) and decided to sit in one of the shady areas and watch them for awhile.

Desert Oasis

The final loop is the longest and contains replicas of an Apache and an Akimel O’odham household. There are usually guides stationed here if you have any questions. It is named the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail, which contains the Desert Oasis. There is something magical about stumbling across an oasis. I was lucky enough to visit Cottonwood Spring Oasis in Joshua Tree National Park, which was spectacular in every way!

Aloe in Bloom

On your way back to the entrance, you will pass the Cactus and Succulent Galleries. Both times I was there, the aloe was in bloom.

Saguaro Beginning to Bloom

As I was getting ready to leave the park, I passed the only Saguaros in the park that were beginning to bloom. All of those buds will be sporting white flowers. I was quite excited, as I have only seen one other saguaro bloom and it only had one flower. I did not realize how many flowers could be one one cactus. I completely understand why people say you should visit the desert in the spring. What a lovely sight it must be when it is in full bloom.

If you are planning a trip to the Phoenix area and have a morning or afternoon to fill, the Desert Botanical Garden would be an excellent, relaxing choice. The cost to get in is $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for children age 3-17, with under 3 being free. The garden hours change during the year being open from 8am-8pm Oct-April and 7am-8pm May-Sept. Early closure days are listed on their website. The garden offers two dining choices, a more formal, sit down option is Gertrude’s, located near the entrance gates. The more casual option is the Patio Cafe located between the Center for Desert Living Trail and the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail. There are bathrooms and drinking stations, where you can refill your water bottle, located through out the garden. The Garden Shop, which offers a variety of merchandise, is located next to Gertrude’s. The parking lot is large and there is no fee to park. You will want to remember to bring water, wear comfortable walking shoes and sunscreen. The garden hosts many docent led activities, you should check their website if you are interested in finding out more. I spent half a day on my visit. If you are not taking a lot of pictures, the entire garden can be covered in several hours.

As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.

(All pictures are available as Fine Art Prints or Digital Downloads for purchase through Alamy. If you see something you like, click on the link. If you are unable to find it, use the Contact Me page and I will make sure the image is available.)

Interested in other options in Arizona? Check these out.

Saguaro National Park

Ro Ho En Japanese Friendship Garden

Butterfly Wonderland

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Visiting the Desert Botanical Garden