In a class of its own, the Boyce Thompson Southwest Arboretum showcases desert plants from around the world. It's mission is to instill in people an appreciation of plants through the fostering of educational, recreational, research and conservation opportunities associated with arid land plants.
Boyce Thompson was a mine owner, wealthy wealthy man and initially wanted to figure out a way to develop and grow legumes in the desert to address widespread hunger. But, he was always enamored of plants and the Arboretum grew and expanded its mission.
It is located about 60 miles east of Phoenix and absolutely worth the hour drive from the city.
I spent my birthday wandering the paths of the Arboretum and just amazed (again) at the diversity of shape, size, color, and adaptations of the arid land plants. Um, I took only a few pictures....at least 1 battery worth.
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| Peak inside the bloom |
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| Picket Post Mountain overlooks the Arboretum |
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| Spring is sprung! |
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| Color! |
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| Butterflies & Hummingbirds were abuzz. Spring! |
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| Demonstration Garden path...I want one! |
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| Color me ORANGE |
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| Healthy stand of that icon of the Sonoran Desert: The Saguaro Cactus. Blooms in another month... |
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| Cactus wren on a cactus! |
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| Golden Barrel cactus just shimmering in the sunlight. |
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| Shape & Pattern |
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| The Boojum Tree reminds me of the Baja...yes it does grow in the wild! |
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| Fun cactus -- no spines! |
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Yucca Plants in bloom. Yuccas will bloom year after year.
Agaves die after flowering -- but live 50+ years before flowering. |
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| Hop Plant. No, it is not a good substitute for hops & beer brewing. |
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