An Urban Oasis in the Heart of Tucson

 

Tucson Botanical Gardens

A lush oasis in the heart of Tucson:  Mature trees and expertly cultivated foliage, a Cactus and  Succulent Garden, Barrio Garden, Herb Garden, the Butterfly Greenhouse, and Nuestro Jardín, which honors traditional Mexican-American gardening, are highlighting the diversity of native plants.  One of the top 10 North American Gardens worth traveling for!

I am glad I could squeeze two hours into my busy traveling plans and finally walk the stunning "garden rooms" with a fantastic collection of plants.  A friendly lady greeted me on this early morning as the first visitor.  I was glad that I came first thing before heading to other attractions in Tucson.  It was nice and cool under huge trees, and when I left, the parking lot was full, and more people were streaming in. 

Exhibits include "Enchanted Garden Sculptures", "Drawn to the Desert", Botanical Illustrations, "Butterfly Magic", However, also classes, such as "Nature Photography in the Gardens", "Transforming Spaces with Pot-Planted Grandeur", or "Backyard Chickens" are offered.
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History
Located on the site of the historic Porter property, it was founded in 1964 by horticulturist and collector Harrison Yocum at his home, the public was allowed to wander a huge collection of cacti and palms in his yard, along with piles of exotic, glittery, almost tingly piles of rocks and minerals he collected.

In time about 100 fellow plant nuts chartered a non-profit corporation and the whole operation was moved to Randolph Park, then to the former Desert Gardens Nursery grounds owned by Mrs. Bernice Porter, who wanted to preserve her house and gardens from demolition.  It became "The Tucson Botanical Gardens" in 1974 when the city council passed fabled Resolution 9384 converting the five-and-one-half-acre site into what remains a great place for visitors years later.

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LightsUp! A Festival of Christmas Illuminations
Stroll through these six themed light areas and be dazzled by over one million lights, dancing sculptures, and awe-inspiring luminaria displays. 6 nights a week, Tuesday - Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.    Enjoy a sensory winter outing around Tucson Botanical Gardens with more than 3,000 luminarias, over a dozen stunning Korean lanterns, 200+ elegant poinsettias, a 10’ tall succulent tree, a colorful array of LED lighting, and festive holiday music to complete the wonderful ambiance.   November 24 - January 7.

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The Gardens' café, Edna’s Eatery, offers refreshments, breakfast, and lunch in lovely seating - indoor and outdoor. It was the perfect resting spot for me after wandering the Gardens.

Visitors will find the gardens at 2150 North Alvernon Way, located about 4 miles east of downtown Tucson - not very well signed ...  Open Daily: from 8:30am – 4:30pm   If you are visiting: Don't miss next doors garden on 2130 N Alvernon Way: JUME Japanese Gardens of Tucson.

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A true urban oasis, Tucson Botanical Gardens was selected #4 
in USA Today’s 10 Best Botanical Gardens in America!

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Adults $15
Students, Seniors (62 years and up) & Military $13
Children (4-17) $8
Only service dogs are allowed

https://tucsonbotanical.org/

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Photo Impressions of Sky Ranch Lodge Botanical Garden

 

The Sky Ranch Lodge, an amazing hotel next to the small airport in Sedona, AZ, received the arboretum accreditation and botanical garden certification in 2020.  Sitting above the city next to the airport on a mesa with beautiful views over Sedona and its Red Rock mountains.

The garden aims to aesthetically display a diversity of plant life.  They strive to create a sense of well-being while providing an opportunity to observe and admire nature.

Interspersed among the native Mesquite, Cypress, and Junipers you will find a multitude of deciduous and evergreen trees, shrubs, flowers, grasses, and succulents. 

Gracing the property is a massive Agave Americana.  These slow-growing giants bloom only once in their lifetime and were planted over 30 years ago. 

It's small, compared to other botanical gardens.  However, very interesting to walk the grounds and to learn the plant names.

When you are in Sedona, come in person to the Sky Ranch Lodge or email them to inquire for permission to walk the garden.  Unless you stay at the hotel, you are certainly invited to walk the grounds as often as you want.

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