When you visit Phoenix AZ, a trip to the Desert Botanical Garden is a must-do. Here are what you must see to experience the desert Southwest.
When you visit the Phoenix, Arizona area, a trip to the Desert Botanical Garden must be on your list of things to do. Whether you just want to marvel at the giant Saguaros or attend an exciting outdoor concert, the Desert Botanical Garden (DBG) will have something great for you to do. There are five themed trails to wander and signature events throughout the year to attend.
There are five distinct areas to explore. Photo courtesy DBG
About the Desert Botanical Garden
In the 1930s, a small group of local desert lovers saw the need to conserve the beautiful environment. One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign that said “Save the desert,” with an arrow pointing to his home.
Blooming aloe plant at the Desert Botanical Garden. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
More than seven decades later the Desert Botanical Garden has blossomed into a living museum unlike any other. Covering 140 acres in the red rock-dotted Papago Park, DBG is now the largest botanical garden in the Southwest. I was surprised to find out that the Garden features 55,000 plants from across the world.
A Morning at the Desert Botanical Garden
In the desert, even in early spring, morning is the best time to explore. By 10 a.m., things are beginning to heat up. Fortunately, DBG opens early. Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. October through April, and 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. May through September. I enjoyed a luxurious stay at the beautiful Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch, so I didn’t get going quite that early. I was on the road for the short drive to the Desert Botanical Garden by nine. It was a weekday. Parking was easy to find, and there were no lines at the ticket office.
It had been over ten years since I had visited Phoenix. As I walked up to the entrance, I stopped to marvel at the agave-like green spires created by glass artist Dale Chihuly. I had the privilege of meeting the artist when he oversaw the installation of his glass art throughout the garden. The spires remain as a tribute to the beauty of the event.
Chihuly glass spires greet visitors at the entrance to the Garden. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Once I entered, I saw a huge colorful head, this season’s art installation. The bold, colorful, and monumental work of artist Jun Kaneko brought spots of color and whimsy to the garden, an added benefit of wandering the trails.
Wandering into the Garden, I encountered large, colorful Jun Kaneko sculptures. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
I was thrilled that the annual Spring Butterfly Exhibit was opening. Anticipating the fluttering beauty of the butterflies, I took the path that would lead me through flowering gardens to the netted butterfly building. Volunteers were stationed there to inform visitors and ensure we didn’t let any butterflies out as we entered and exited. While the exhibit was fun and, yes, I did see butterflies, many were not yet awake. They wait until the sun warms the plants inside. So perhaps the afternoon is the best time to visit.
Seasonally, the Garden puts up a huge butterfly enclosure where you can enjoy live butterflies and their favorite plants. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
I headed on yet another trail to see the Cactus and Succulent Galleries. The plants from all over the world are fascinating.
Some cacti flower for only a day. You are lucky if you can capture a shot like this! Photo courtesy Adam Rodriguez, DBG
I noticed they were setting up for a special event in the garden, part of the annually award-winning Devour Phoenix Culinary Classic. One of the benefits of desert living is enjoying the beauty of outdoor dining and festivities.
It’s not just cacti in the Garden. Enjoy wildflowers and flowering bushes. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
After walking the Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail, I was ready for a break and some water. And, of course, DBG had anticipated my needs. While there were frequent water stations and shady spots, I was surprised to see chairs set out in scenic little garden nooks in The Center for Desert Living Trail by the Herb Garden. I relaxed for a while, enjoying the fantasy that this could be my front patio.
Enjoy shaded areas to rest and reflect as you wander. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
Dining at the Desert Botanical Garden
With all that wandering and photographing, visitors can work up an appetite. Gertrude’s Restaurant, with farm-to-table cuisine, is located just inside the gate to the garden. With offerings for both light appetites and hungry visitors and a full bar, Gertrude’s is a likely place to rest and enjoy after a morning at DBG.
Gertrude’s Restaurant. Photo courtesy: Adam Rodriguez, DBG
For a casual experience, check out the Patio Café 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, October through May. And, no, you can’t bring your own picnic into the Garden.
Events to Enjoy
Evening events provide a magical experience at the Desert Botanical Garden. In March, sip tequilas as you walk through the lighted garden during the cool Agave on the Rocks, listen to music, and enjoy concerts.
Agave on the Rocks. Photo courtesy: DBG
You can even experience a performance of Ballet Arizona. At holiday times, the garden paths are lighted by flickering luminarias during Las Noches de las Luminarias.
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When You Visit The Desert Botanical Garden
Wandering alone is fun, but consider a docent-led tour if it’s your first visit to the Garden. Free tours are led daily from October 1 – May 14. Check the Cohn Tour Gathering Area for times. There are also docent stations throughout the garden where expert docents answer your questions about cacti, mesquite, agave, birds, and many other topics. One thing you’ll notice as you wander… the Phoenix community loves the Garden. Many locals volunteer, and many support the Desert Botanical Garden financially. It is a living, growing organization like the beautiful desert land it occupies.
Docent information stations help you learn as you wander. Photo by Elizabeth R Rose
If you are not used to the desert, dress comfortably, wear a hat, use sunscreen, and carry water. Pace yourself and take advantage of the garden’s shaded benches.
Entrance fees are well worth it. Adult: $24.95, Youth $12.95 (3 – 17), Children under three are admitted free. Read the “Tips for Visitors” for hours and early closure dates.
Pets and therapy animals are not allowed in the Garden. Service dogs or miniature horses only (yes, miniature horses can serve as service animals!) If you want to bring your dog to the Garden, visit Dogs’ Day in the Garden. And, of course, don’t leave a pet in your car during your visit. Be sure to check out Wander for more great things to do when you visit Arizona.
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