Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, AZ, is located in the midst of the Sonoran Desert.

The site, comprised of 140 acres, is divided into thematic trails, each devoted to a different aspect of desert plantings. Desert Botanical Garden is at 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008, and is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Mountain Time). For more information, call (480) 941-1225 or email contact@dbg.org. Admission is $24.95 for adults and $12.95 for ages 3-17.

Special Gardens and Features

Desert Discovery Loop Trail connects all of the trails from the center of the gardens, and gives an overview of the Cactus and Succulent Galleries and Agave Yucca Forest. At the center is the Patio Café, with well-spaced tables and chairs for a relaxing view of the Gambel’s Quails as they cavort around the plantings.

Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail is designed as a living replica that characterizes Native tribes that have, and still live, within 100 miles of the Phoenix basin. Visitors can also experience saguaro fruit harvesting and yucca paint brush making, cholla bud roasting and agave cultivation.

Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail leads to the most perfect vistas in the gardens. At just under a quarter of a mile, the trail is typically quiet. Its wide pathway leads to views of distant mountains and close-up observations of native flora and fauna. Additionally, the Center for Desert Living Trail consists of edible and herb gardens, a sundial planted with an array of colorful cactus, and the Archer House, which is landscaped with plants that can be grown in your own desert gardens.

Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Loop Trail is one of the most colorful, with separate plantings devoted to bees, butterflies and hummingbirds.

Creature comforts

Two restaurants are available for anything from a snack to a full meal. Gertrude’s Restaurant shares space with the garden shop, and features a wide array of meals prepared with local ingredients. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday – Friday, and from 8 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Garden Patio Café also offers salads and sandwiches and is open from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily, October-May.

Early Spring Experience

It’s hard to miss the Aloes, many of which are in full bloom by mid-February. Among the many other plants in bloom from desert climates throughout the world are fairy dusters (Calliandra eriophylla), Texas mountain laurel (Dermatophyllum secundiflorum), Silk floss tree (Ceiba speciosa), and spotted emu bush (Eremophila maculata) as well.