- willow
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- 5 out of 5
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Chihuly in the Garden
- May 22, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
nmagann from Ventura, California
General speaking a garden of cacti would not be something I would make a point of visiting. But the Desert Botanical Garden will prompt a return. One reason is because I did not go during the blooms which I discovered from a roving volunteer occurs twice a year both during the hot summer months. Naturally this is not when I have ever been near the desert. Hence I never could understand the beauty others talked about with regards to the desert plants. The other reason I would return is the special events, so fitting I might add, displayed. I unfortunately missed the butterfly event, but intend on seeing the hummingbird display. During special showings, online tickets are offered along with entry times. This ensures that a limited number of visitors are there during different hours. The idea is to give visitors plenty of time without allowing mass crowds. Once inside, you can stay as long as you like.
I did have the opportunity to visit the garden during the Chihuly Glass ExhibitIncredible displays of glass that took weeks to put together forming different scenes throughout the walkway through the gardens. Items were carefully placed near surrounding that seemed to be so natural.
Translucent, gleaming green plants that look almost like yucca plants are the first to catch your attention. Look closely and you will notice each "leaf" is a separate piece of glass. Some displays, I was informed include 2400 pieces. When I asked if they were numbered I learned originally they were, but finding the correct ones became so difficult it isn’t done that way anymore. A display may be a little different each time it is erected.
A favorite of mine was the long narrow glass fading from a deep blue to clear sprung up from a rectangular pond of water with small grey stones at the bottom serving as both an anchor and growth source. A variety of glass chandeliers hung from the atrium area where the smaller variety of cacti, including the pebble plants grown. Interspersed within the plants were more displays of glass.
www.desertbotanical.org
1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 480-941-1225
Disability Accessible
Daily 7-8, parking free, admission $15
Spring evening Jazz concerts
From journal Phoenix DAY & NIGHT
A must for Plant Enthusiasts
- April 6, 2009
- Rated 5 of 5 by
ak1 from Auburn, Washington
This was my most anticipated outing on my vacation, not only were we going to see the Desert Botanical Gardens but we were in town the same time as the Chihuly Art Exhibit was going to be on display in the gardens.
From the second we pulled into the Desert Botanical Gardens we knew this was going to be an amazing Chihuly Art Glass exhibit. From the road we could see a tall yellow intriguing piece in the midst of desert plants. As we got closer to the entrance there were some vibrant glass pieces that were even more breathtaking than the first one we saw.
Entering the gardens was almost an overwhelming feeling for me; there were so many things to see and quite a few pathways to choose from. The plants were already amazing, huge cactuses in every variety imaginable and then with the added beauty of the Chihuly Art Glass it made the gardens absolutely beautiful.
The glass on display was mind blowing, everything was out in the open, several large pieces were put together by a bunch of smaller pieces of glass; it made me wonder how on earth they got it there and how long it took their teams to assemble everything.
The Desert Botanical Gardens consist of 50 acres of outdoor exhibits. It was established in 1939 at this location and has more than 21,000 plants and many endangered plants also have a home here.
We were thrilled with our visit to the gardens and I will have to say it was one of our neatest experiences on our Phoenix trip. With or without the Chihuly Art Glass being on display I would definitely recommend seeing the desert botanical gardens because they were fascinating to see.
From journal Our Week in the Desert Sun
Editor Pick
Desert Botanical Gardens
The desert is not quite as barren as most people imagine. In fact, go to the botanical gardens in the spring and see an array of blossoms on the otherwise prickly cactus. The softness and transparancy of the flowers are in stark contrast to the strong spines and quills of the cacti. Each variety is labeled for easier identification. Who knew (besides those who live around them) that there were so many cacti? Teddy Bear, Pipe Organ, Beaver Tail... names that describe and inspire. These are just a few of the hundreds on view in the gardens.
There is also a Butterfly Exhibit (for a small extra fee) that is housed in a screened enclosure. There are about a dozen different varieties of butterflies in this enclosure, but not all of them are easy to spy. One problem is the sheer number of human bodies - even though the numbers are limited at any one time. People just stood and would not move to allow a traffic flow from one end to another. It took a lot of "excuse me" and "pardon me" phrases to get from one end of the enclosure, around the pond and gardens, to the opposite end and the eventual exit. Photographing these colorful critters is easy since there are so many of them and no where for them to go. If you have been to the butterfly exhibit at Calaway Gardens in Pine Mountain, Georgia, this one will be a disappointment, but if you have not, then this one is one that you will enjoy.
The gardens also have display areas set up to show the historical lodging and daily lives of the local native population. Wikiups and roasting pits sit near ramadas and cooking tools. It is interesting to see the similarities and variations in shelter designs that were used by the desert peoples.
The main path through the gardens are of brick and very easy to walk. To see the majority of the garden, however, you must leave the brick path and take to the sandy/gravel mix that forms the paths through the desert displays. Wear good walking shoes that will not pick up the stray pebble. Wear a hat with a brim and don't forget the sunblock. The sun can be intense - even in the winter. The air is quite dry, so take water along. There is a snack bar at the rear of the gardens (along with restrooms) if you don't want to tote something from "home" (or forget).
The gardens is next to the zoo and both can be viewed in the same day if you start early.
From journal Phoenix Flora
Local Secrets, Big Finds 2007 Pick
- January 16, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Local Secrets from New York, New York
Papago Park's red buttes are home to the Desert Botanical Garden's world-class collection of desert plants. The outdoor exhibits arranged around the 50 acres are proof that the "semi-arid desert can be home to some of the most spectacular plant life." The gardens are "a treat for the eye, as well as relaxing for the spirit." With 139 rare, threatened, and endangered plant species, there is "no other region in the country that has the trees, flowering plants, cacti, and succulents housed here."
www.travelocity.com/localsecrets
Editor Pick
Desert Botanical Garden
- June 9, 2007
- Rated 5 of 5 by
SeenThat from Tel Aviv, Israel
One of the most amazing museum/parks I have even seen, the Desert Botanical Garden is within the Papago Park and not far from Phoenix and near the cities of Scottsdale and Tempe. It hosts what possibly is the world’s finest collection of desert plants. Founded in 1939, it displays fifty acres of exhibits, from 139 rare plant species to a complete desert house and offers several research and educational programs.
The Desert Botanical Garden is open every day. From October to April it is open from 8am to 8pm and during the rest of the year from 7am to 8pm. A ticket for an adult costs ten dollars. Extra features are the pleasant Patio Café (which closes soon after midday), a library (which offers just a reading room service) and umbrellas, strollers, scooters, and wheelchairs available for renting.
The Garden can be reached practically from everywhere in Phoenix through the Valley Metro Buses (see detailed information at www.valleymetro.org).
The park is arranged in a series of trails along which the visitors can walk freely. Each trail is dedicated to a different theme.
The Desert Discovery Trail
This third of a mile trail shows the unique characteristics of desert plants from around the world. It features the Garden’s oldest plantings and leads to all trailheads and facilities.
The Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Trail
This third of a mile trail the interaction between Humans and plants in the Sonoran Desert. It explores the uses desert plants for food, construction, tools, basket-making, and another surprising variety of uses.
The Harriet K. Maxwell Desert Wildflower Trail
This trail is a variation of the former one. It shows the interactions between desert plants and desert animals. The ecosystems are clearly and attractively exposed.
The Sonoran Desert Nature Trail
This quarter of a mile trail is the most scenic one in the garden and features sights of the surrounding plains and mountains, which probably form one of the most dramatic desert scenes in the whole world.
The Center for Desert Living Trail
This quarter of a mile trail explains how to live in harmony with the desert, touching issues like desert landscaping, gardening and conservation. It includes the vegetable and herb demonstration garden and Desert House, which seems to belong more to Santa Fe, New Mexico than to Phoenix. The house provides information on how to live in an energy-efficient arid environment, while enjoying a modern life and without wasting resources.
In its ability to show all the different aspects related to the desert environment surrounding it, this garden provides a unique and profound experience, which should be scheduled first while planning a visit to the area.
From journal Arizona Dream