Monday, May 02, 2011

Desert Botanical Garden-- A Phoenix Area Must Visit

Our last visit to the Desert Botanical Garden was during the great Chihuly show two years ago. There is only one Chihuly left (at the entrance),  but you can see a few more in my 2009 blog entry.  Today we will discuss some of the additional pleasures of this delightful Garden.



  The layout is comprehensive and impressive.  Their docents are impeccably trained and whether you stop at one of their stations or take a walk with them, you will be delighted.  Even if you don't wish a guided journey, you will find that most critical plants are labeled and explanatory signposts accompany the key desert environment sections of the garden.

Docent explaining some of the many native uses of the Creosote Bush

The outdoor restaurant serves delicious drinks and sandwiches at a reasonable price.

  

Both times we have visited the garden we have seen school groups on site.  It is clear that they take their educational mission seriously.   The children are indeed lucky to have such a resource available to them.

A school class working on a project.

But the star of the show is still the desert flora and fauna.   Here's a few additional photos.

Have you ever noticed how the pattern on this cactus seems to be echoed in some of the southwestern basketry?


A woodpecker makes a new home in a saguaro

Fireweed shines brightly









Need I add that photo ops are around each and every turn in the paths.

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