Description: Tohono Chul Park is definitely my favorite garden. In spite of being in the desert, more than cactus thrives here. The artwork interspersed among the variety of individual gardens is in perfect harmony with the environment. For example, at the entrance of the park where pools and tall trees abound, large metal sculptures are meticulously placed to fit it. They can be overlooked all together until you notice the first one like the deer hiding behind a tree or a buzzard in the crook of thick tree branches. Even the coyote are creeping from behind tall reeds.
Each garden is dedicated to a type of plant or insect that it attracts. Pollen plants are arranged in an area where bumblebees and fuzzy black bees frequented. Tiger Swallowtail butterflies competed with monarchs for the nectar from nearby lilac bushes, azaleas, asters and violets. Shade is provided by hanging wisteria, another favorite. A small pond and clay lick also provided a hospitable habitat.
The garden for hummingbirds was a bit different. Aside from having bright colors, particularly red and purple, the type of flowering plants were chosen for their suitability to the birds' long proboscis and sweet nectar. Plants were vines, trees or tall flowers. Towering hollyhocks, Irish bells were planted as a centerpiece. There were plenty of honeysuckle and trumpet creeper vines in vivid orange and purple morning glory. Sage with bright blue and red blossoms covered the ground while columbine in solid yellow as well as orange/yellow sprang from all around.
Other gardens were idea for the home gardener or landscaper. One contained a variety of plants that can tolerate dry and shade climates, while the xeriscape garden grew plants that were drought resistant but not cactus. An herb garden contained parsley, thyme, rosemary, oregano and several other household garnishes. Chili, peppers, and other fiery morsels filled the spice garden while eggplant, tomatoes, and squash rounded out the veggie garden.
Yet still another contained several ponds, including the one with the blue desert pupfish also and another with koi, had lily pads, lotus, faux papyrus, and water reeds decorating the surroundings. In keep with the Zen experience, there is also a meditation garden and life-size as well as miniature rock garden. The latter even included a small rake for practice.
Trees that make up the citrus family like oranges, lemons, limes and even pomegranate trees served as forks in the road if you will along the paths to the different gardens. Spending four hours here was still really not enough time when considering all scents, plants, insects, and fowl there is to enjoy.
Close