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Desert Botanical Garden
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- Hours:
Mon-Sun. 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
90 reviews for Desert Botanical Garden
I've done 3 weddings here - truly gorgeous settings if you want a beautiful outdoor Arizona wedding. Photos of the weddings are on our website at http://www.ArchRentals...
Tonica Swan
Artistic Arch & Chuppah Rentals
by Arc de Belle
(623) 703-0999
Another weekend of visiting Phoenix and what the hell am I gonna do besides eat?
Unfortunately, Phoenix didn't have an array of free places to visit, besides walking around downtown or their version of Old Town. Being from San Diego, I got spoiled by being able to walk around the beaches, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, the Gaslamp District.... You get the picture.
Though the Desert Botanical Garden isn't free ($15 per adult), I gotta say that this has to be on everyone's to visit list, if one ever goes to Phoenix. The desert garden is pretty amazing, with all it's wild life and vegetation. Walking around the garden paths, we spotted lizards, cacti and birds galore! I even saw a garden gnome (http://www.yelp.com/bi...). No joke!
Coincidentally, the DBG happened to be hosting the Chihuly Glass exhibit, while we visited. So, we got more bang for our buck. For an additional $3, we also got to see the Butterfly Exihibit. Entertaining since butterflies were on people, as well as plants. Pretty cool, considering we spent almost 3 hours here.
A definite MUST. And, though the Chihuly Exhibit is now done and gone, I do look forward to visiting, again, and hopefully checking out another exhibit.
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It's a little expensive. Fifteen dollars for an adult admission! I guess I'm a cheapskate, but I feel like that's a bit excessive. There are lots of other gardens in other cities with very inexpensive or even free admission. Well, they clearly put the admission fees to good use, because the garden is absolutely gorgeous. Walking through the garden feels like meditation. It's so calming and lovely. That is, if you get here early enough that it's not crawling with people. I saw a woman here with a three or four-year-old kid in a stroller and he was screaming as loud as he possibly could. The woman was begging him to stop crying, saying, "Please, honey, please be quiet. Do you want your toy? Do you want your little rocket? Or your space man? Do you want your juice? Honey, please. Please be quiet." I don't have kids but I'm guessing you probably have to be a bit more authoritative to get them to behave properly. But I digress!
The Chihuly exhibit is long gone, but a few pieces remain just outside the garden, and they're stunning. The wildflowers are great--they have one that smells just like brownies. The variety of plants is really impressive, and I love how there's lots of shade and nice benches throughout the park so you can sit and watch butterflies and hummingbirds flit around. On Saturday I discovered the Desert Discovery Loop, which has lots of interesting information about the indigenous people and how they used various native plants. There are so many different types of cactus here, and the variety is really amazing. There are cacti that form weird, geometric clusters and others that have long, soft needles that droop like whiskers. There are other kinds that have soft, wispy cotton looking stuff on top. All of this against the backdrop of the red buttes in Papago Park is really stunning. It's especially gorgeous in the evening.
I have a great time every I come to the Desert Botanical Gardens. Bring walking shoes, come early, and, of course, it's best in the winter. I'd imagine, if you can swing it, that coming on a weekday would be ideal, because you'd really beat the crowds. And it does get crowded here!
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I'm ashamed to admit that even though I've lived here for 11 years I've never been here. Until today that is.
The weatherman lied AGAIN. This weekend was supposed to be stormy and cool. Well, cool for August. If I saw him I would have accidentally nudged him into one of the nasty looking cacti on display.
I went early thinking it wouldn't be too bad. However, they water the gardens in the morning and it was already over 90 at 10:30am (yes, that's early). It's not the heat - it's the humidity from the evaporation. The watering also made some of the trails muddy.
That all aside, the garden is gorgeous, well maintained and very informative. Name a desert plant, any plant and it was there. Butterflies, lizards, birds. Very cool nature walk. There were a number of tourists here who were clearly blown away by the plants. "Gee Marge, we don't got none of this in Michigan!". It would be a shame for a tourist to visit Phoenix and not go to the garden. It's very tourist friendly with plenty of picture taking opportunities. You can even buy some small boxed cactus gardens in the gift shop along with other "stuff".
Glad I finally made it here. I'll be back when the weather is cooler and I want to see it at night.
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We got this note from Allan Houser's estate today:
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"The Desert Botanical Gardens in Phoenix, Arizona will present an exhibition of 18 life-size and monumental sculptures which will open to the public on November 21, 2009 and be on display through May 30, 2010. Included in the exhibition are many of Allan Houser's most important monumental works spanning his explorations in both narrative and non-objective forms. Among those landmark monumental works are "Spirit of the Wind", "Anasazi", "When Friends Meet", "Cerrillos", "Homeward Bound", "Spirit of the Mountains", "Watercarrier", and "Migration". Also exhibited will be "Abstract Crown Dancer I", "Corngrinder", "Warm Springs Apache Man", "This Was Our Home", "Spirit House" , and "Mountain Echoes". Rounding out the exhibition are "Options", "Dialogue, and "Embrace". The Desert Botanical Garden hosts one of the world's finest collections of desert plants and is the only of 44 of botanical gardens in the US accredited by the American Association of Museums. Home to 139 rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, this one-of-a-kind museum showcases 50 acres of beautiful outdoor exhibits."
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We have been to the DBG at least a hundred times over the years, and have watched it decline markedly. DBG no longer fulfills its proper mission of rare plant preservation, and they have wasted literally millions of dollars building useless grandiose facilities, yet the gardens are still lovely. I think you could have a nice morning here, in late November, with the rare chance to see a bunch of the Houser monumental sculpture all in one place. Icing on the cake. We will be going.
With the chance to see the Houser work--Two Stars.
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1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/5/2009
What a sad transformation from a lovely proper botanical garden to a giant eyesore. The gate alone… Read more »
Good parking. A bit expensive for Adult entry $15.00. Not to warm in October. Nice and peaceful walking. I took a lot of pictures. Lots of Cactus. Bring your own water, the water fountain is tap. Bring good walking shoes.
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The largest cactus garden that I have personally ever seen. Pretty neat, particularly if you go at sunset. bring water with you and a camera. It's nice, because they have concerts and are open pretty late in the evening.
If you have any time between now and May 31, 2009, be sure to go and check out the Chihuly installtion at the Desert Botanical Gardens.
The gardens would have been fabulous, but the Chihuly installion delivered icing to a tasty cake. For fifteen bucks, it was one of the nicest walks I have taken in a long time.
On my sixth day in Phoenix, I decided to take a few hours from my hectic schedule of class during the day, getting lost on the way back to the hotel and working into the wee hours and see something of my weeklong adopted city. Perusing those magazines left in the hotel room by the management (in a vain attempt to say, "Get of the room, sometimes, dearies, you work too hard!") I found an ad for the Chihuly exhibit, went online to buy a ticket and had my plans _made_. I would have gone to the zoo, but it closes at five _everyday_. The garden is open until nine, which gave me time to leave class, get lost driving there and still have some wandering around inside the garden time.
Ok, the temperature was 103 that day, so even in the early evening, it was pretty hot, but I took water and there were fountains dispersed throughout the park. Even iin the gloaming, I got a little sun, but I would definitely advise the strongest sunblock you can find.
They were having an evening event with jazz and food and drinks, but as the park filled up with people, it didn't seem appreciatively more crowded, except in the food and drink areas. This park is large enough to accommodate lots and lots of people.
Just a note of the Chihuly glass. This is a major installation. I lost count as to how many pieces were here. My brother wrote in my blog that this was where Chihuly pieces belonged, not indoors, in museums. I respectfully disagrees, I love to see Chihuly pieces anywhere. Surroundings do interact with his art, but wherever I see his work, it changes and grows. Just as limiting Goldworthy's work to outdoors would only show us one side of that talented artist, limiting Chihuly's work to outdoor installations, would only show us a limited number of facets of his work.
Ok, I'll get off my soapbox now. :::griN:::
I'll just say that if you have some spare minutes in Phoenix that are not in the heat of the noonday sun, go to the Desert Botanical Gardens, before May 31, if possible!
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I love the DBG! How beautiful this place is. What a Phoenix treasure.
The first time I came out here was about 3 years ago with my mom. She's an avid gardener, and we made a point of going here. We both had a great time with everything we saw, and easily killed a few hours walking around this place.
Well, I came back here with Heather to see the Chihuly display. AWESOME! Gardens are lusch, paths are large and easy to walk and there is plenty to see here. Tons of desert habitat here.
I also like how they have water fountians and beverage machines here throughout the park. Walking can make you get real thirsty real quick. They also have a little cafe of sorts in the back of the garden, which is nice when you are hungry. They also have benches if you want to sit down and catch your breath or take a break from walking.
Great place to bring family, dates, out of town visitors and anyone else! Worth the $$. I will be back!
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This place is almost nauseatingly spectacular! I've been in the valley on and off for the past 9 or so years, and I had never been until the other day.
I have an issue with heat and the sun, so we went early in the morning, but it was still kind of wearing on me. May I recommend avoiding visiting during the late spring/summer months if you're like me. The Chihuly works were a nice touch to all this place had going on. And the butterfly exhibit was humid and cramp, but provided a lot of great photo opportunities and was entertaining. Everyone is reduced to a 5 year old when it comes to butterflies, in a good way.
Oh and you can definitely get a nice work out taking on some of the longer trails at this place, so wear comfortable walking shoes. I saw a great deal of other events and exhibits posted that the botanical gardens have to offer throughout the year, and I can totally see myself revisiting time and time again.
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It your surprise in the Desert. Give it a try with yourkids our friends and participate of this lovely adventure in the nature best.
Any time of the year is the right occasion to be there and be part of promoting it.
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The Desert Botanical Gardens are beautiful. I'm just amazed by all of the different types of cati that are on display here. It's a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful desert plants. They are blooming right now and the gardens look amazing.
We came to see the Chihuly exhibit yesterday (with some free passes, woo hoo!) just before sunset. You have to see this during the day and at night. Some pieces look better during the day and others look better at night. I would suggest going to see this exhibit during the week. It was pretty busy on a Tuesday night, so I can't imagine how busy they are on the weekend.
If you're into desert plants, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is another great place to check out near Globe.
Some of the trails close at sunset, so get here before the sun goes down to check them out. And the butterfly exhibit closes at 5pm. Also they are now open until 9pm.
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Wow, if you want to see an amazing variety of desert plants, enjoy a nice hike, and maybe even learn something, you can't go wrong.
This time of year, while it's getting a little warm, the plants are in bloom, and you really get to applicate the fact that Arizona has more colors than brown.
We spent about 4 1/2 hours walking around, which is enough time to see the entire garden, spend time where you want, and get the full experience. I have no doubt had we stayed longer that we would have noticed even more things.
The Chihuly exhibit was amazing, well worth the need to reserve tickets. If you haven't seen it, you should really check it out. The photos I took don't do justice to seeing it live, and in such an incredible setting.
We did snack at the Patio Cafe, and while the menu sounded amazing, the sandwiches were all premade (nice that there was no wait) but a little lackluster. It was fancy box lunch fair. If DBG wasn't a non-profit, I would have been annoyed with the prices. However, the birds really enjoyed the bread I parted with, so I think they would rate it pretty high. Personally, I would just eat before I go next time, and not bother.
They had some great Earth Day displays in the Herb Garden, all kinds of information on sustainability and eco-friendly choices. If you are looking to get low water usage plants in your yard, they had all the information. I'm just not sure if that was a one time thing, or if they are there frequently.
Overall, we had a great time, and I will be using the Culture Pass to go again when the weather cools off.
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I think we all should check it out in this beautiful enviroment that is so unique in our area. If you have the time make it your next good thing about enjoy nature best on a desert setup.
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As good as it gets, only when it is cool and beautiful weather. Been here twice. Once when it was sweltering hot. Did not enjoy the botanical gardens so much then. I also went for the Chihuly exhibit recently and it was beautiful and fun.
They have so many different types of cacti. Check it out. Take your out of town guests here e.t.c. But remember, only when it is cool weather!
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How can you not love this place? I'm a card carrying member of the DBG so admittedly, I'm slightly biased. :) I wish my backyard looked like the Desert Botanical Gardens (Actually, it's where I've borrowed a lot of ideas.)
I'm a proud Phoenician and love the Sonoran Desert. I've lived in a lot of cities and traveled the world and to me our desert is unique and one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The new cactus garden is spectacular; I love standing in the herb garden and taking deep breaths. My favorite trail is the Sonoran Desert Trail because it has some of the best views of the east valley and Papago Park.
I like to buy a glass of wine and watch the sun set as I wander around and admire the statuesque and colorful flora of the desert. If you are visiting Phoenix, spend some time here. (And bring a camera.)
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The Chihuly exhibit at DBG is absolutely PHENOMENAL! The stunning blown glass pieces intermingled with the desert gardens is breathtaking. With that being said, I can still see how the garden would be an attraction on its own without such an exhibit. present.
The Patio Cafe at Ullman Terrace was OK...not what I was expecting. We had checked out the menu online beforehand and so had higher expectations that what was actually delivered. I enjoyed the Santa Fe Wrap which was mediocre. My husband had a burger/fries...which again wasn't anything to write home about. My parents who were with us each enjoyed the SW Chicken Sandwich but felt it was a bit dry and not a lot of flavor. On a more positive note, the lemonade was DELICIOUS and refreshing on a hot spring day!
The exhibit continues through the end of May with three times to choose from. BUT you will need to make reservations online before hand to ensure you will get in during your desired time. The website gives a nice overview of both the garden and the exhibits offered.
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We visited just to see the Chihuly exhibit. The traveling display had been to Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh and I thought was would be great to see it in the desert. It was more amazing than I could have imagined.
First off, I did not realize that there were so many different types and species of cactus. I wish I was a local, because I would love to be able to sign up for their Desert Landscaper School. That would be amazing!! The lay out and the trails are very nice. And I can't believe that I am typing this, but the different types of cactus are so beautiful!! I must have taken a gajillion photos! Also, we happened to go just before sunset, so it was very nice to wander around the gardens after dark. Plus, the Chilly glass looks amazing all lit up. A must see in Phoenix!
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Lights at Desert Botanical Gardens, Wow, the blown glass brings a new beautiful look to the DBG. Bring a special someone here to stroll around after or before you go to dinner.
Chihuly is a display of blown glass with amazing colors and arrangements mixed in with the flowers and cactus of the garden.
Enjoy
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With 78 reviews, there's not a lot I can in the way of details. I'll just add my 4 star review and say "it's all true"! For non-native tourists -- especially from Chicago -- DBG is a great way to gain an appreciation of just how diverse the desert ecosystems are -- and how fragile.
It was a real bonus to find the Chihuly exhibit here, as well. They say this is th first time they've exhibited this glass outdoors like this.
Don't miss this! Fun seeing the butterflies, too -- especially for the kids!
TIP: Get here early -- it gets warm in the desert! [I probably don't need to tell anyone actually from the Valley that, do I? LOL]
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Chihuly, and desert. What a breathtaking match!
The unnatural yet organic glass paired with the desert scenery was a sight that I can't describe as anything else but just YUMMY! The jewel tones sparkling next to each other in the sunlight was just the most ethereal sight....and I bet it's better at night.
The park itself I thought was logically laid out, and I especially loved the butterfly garden. The hummingbird area wasn't so bad either...I got a wonderfully close up picture of an Anna's. The only complaint I have is that they were cleaning the glass pieces as we were there. I understand it needs to be done...but shouldn't it have been done before opening? I don't particularly want a picture of glass cleaners in with the beautiful artwork.
Whomever said the desert was a colorless place obviously never really saw it, especially in bloom.
I always wanted to come see this place after the monsoons...but I'm glad I came during the Chihuly installation. He truly is a master of his material. (And yes, I know he doesn't do it all himself) I just can't get over the complementary pairing of his red reeds next to the green cacti. And the Chiostro di Sant' Apollonia Chandelier...definitely the belle of the ball if I had to pick one.
It makes me want to go see his other garden installations around the US.
Absolutely gorgeous! I'm putting my pictures up to share!
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I really enjoy wandering around the gardens so much so that I became a member recently and since then have been back almost on a daily basis. My love affair first began when I went to see the Chihuly exhibit at sunset this past spring. I'm kind of glad that the exhibit is gone now because you can actually walk around and look at the specimens without the large crowds. Although the Chihuly piece by the main entrance is still there, it is debated whether it will remain a permanent installation. I highly recommend the DBG to all.
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Two years ago, I was very disappointed that I was not able to go to the botanical gardens on a trip to Scottsdale. However, I think that was a blessing in disguise because I wouldn't have gone there last week and seen the spectacular Chihuly exhibit. We went to the dbg at five at night, which was a great time, because we were able to see the glass fixtures during in the daylight, at sunset, and then lit up at night. All the pieces were beautiful, with vivid colors and intricate designs.
The desert botanical gardens are a little microcosm of the desert world. We visited Saguaro National Park two days prior and that was real, spacious, and wild desert. However, if you are only in Arizona for a short time, the dbg will do. The variety of cacti is so amazing and I'm sure the flowers are beautiful in April and May. We saw some wildlife there such as rabbits and bees, but not anything like a snake, although I'm sure that's quite possible.
Well worth the $!5 fee! Also, their hours are great if you are looking to do something in the early morning or early evening.
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Seriously one of the best botanical gardens I've yet visited.
When I was there, they had an incredible exhibit of Dale Chihuly's glass artwork, which went well with the unusual plants in the garden.
There are many different sub-gardens to see, each with its own standout features. My favorite garden was the Succulent Gallery - talk about mind-boggling plants. Wow. Some of the flora there looked like something out of a Dr. Seuss story.
I imagine this garden would be excellent in the spring, when all the wildflowers and cacti are blooming...check it out!
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If you've never been to the Luminarias or haven't been in a few years, THIS IS THE YEAR TO GO! It's a 2 for 1 deal with the Chihuly exhibit. The Garden is filled with his glass sculptures perfectly displayed among the natural elements of the Garden. The lighting of sculptures is stunning. And, of course, the luminarias are always beautiful.
Meal tickets are available. There are also cash bars with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages including hot cider and cocoa. Wine tasting as well. There are plenty of entertainers scattered throughout the Garden. I always enjoy the Handbell Choirs especially. Adult tickets are $20 members, $25 non-members. Reduced prices for kids, but I don't really think the young ones would enjoy it.
Expect it to be crowded this year. We attended a members only night and it seemed to be oversold as parking was hard to come by. However, if you venture away from the Chihuly exhibits, you can find a moment or two in solitude among the luminarias. That alone is worth the ticket.
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Las Noches de las Luminarias is in full swing and even better this year with the addition of Dale Chihuly's glass sculpture exhibit. Each sculpture is perfectly integrated with the landscape along the many luminary lit pathways. There is plenty to do, see, and hear as you stroll throughout the garden. You will find comfy fire pit seating areas, great live musicians, and a few bars nestled along the path. Dress warm and wear comfy shoes because some of the paths are a little rocky. I recommend the evening event after the luminarias have been lit - 5:30 to 9:30pm.
My high marks for this outing:
Sweater Weather: 5
Glass Sculptures: 5
Photo Ops: 5
Luminarias: 5
Musicians: 5
Apple Cider: 5
Shot of Jack Daniels: 5++
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The on-going Chihuly glass exhibit provides a whole new way of looking at the renowned specimen cactus. At this time of year there aren't many cacti in bloom and many appear visually drab green and grey. The entrance with three large green agave like glass spikes are very striking in sunlight. The large colorful yellow, orange, red, blue glass candles draw out the beauty of the various pipe type cacti. The iridescent green hornets in the new shaded cactus garden almost seem to come alive. The boatload of light & dark blue and boatload of multi-color glass of all shapes photographs extremely well from a distance and also close-up with a good digital camera.
The surprise that some people may not see are the green icebergs in the back pupfish pond among dried cattails on the Sonoran trail. Imagine icebergs in the desert!
I will definitely have to return some evening (s) before it closes in May and take another several hundred photos.
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This is a must see if you're in the area. I was excited to find out that Chihuly's work was currently exhibited--his work, I had missed at the De Young last year. The setting here, glass artwork amongst the cacti, I'm sure, makes for a more brilliant display.
The photo ops here are endless. Keep in mind that it is outdoors, so sunscreen is a must. Even in the winter, the temps were in the high 70s; I can't imagine being out here during the day in the sweltering summer heat. Much of the garden is swarmed with regional plants and cacti, none of which offer much shade, though there are a few makeshift abodes to show off what living quarters are like in the arid climate. Lastly, since you'll be touring the grounds by foot, wear comfortable walking shoes.
There are eateries, as well as water fountains and vending machines scattered throughout the trails. If only you could truly find these in the desert.
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I see one review that complains about organizational money scandals, but I was just there to see the garden and the art. If it is true it is sad. This place is a gem!
And the Chihuly glass installation was wonderful. I realize it is just temporary so I do not see it as demeaning the nature of the garden. If anything it gets more locals to visit and support the place. It feels both organic and alien. Eye candy even!
By all means go see it. You might be surprised.
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Chihuly exhibit = awesome.
DBG itself = very cool. Student ID gets you 1/2 off. More like an art museum than a typical museum of the modern era - obviously not particularly interactive, but the few displays or other directly educational features are dated and not really useful. Go to look, not so much to learn. A beautiful facility, nonetheless, and certainly worth a visit if you enjoy looking at plants.
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Last night the Chihuly exhibit opened and I visited the garden this afternoon. $15 is a hefty entrance fee, so i brought a book...i was going to make it worth my while. The installations are AMAZING. My usual response to modern art is "huh?" but this felt organic and otherworldly all at once. The pieces are scattered all over the garden and I would definitely suggest going during the 4PM-8PM showing so you can see the sculptures in daylight and twilight. At about 6PM the garden lit up and it was so cool to see the huge sculptures like Moon and Saffron out across the dark desert backdrop.
This is not to be missed, though you have time, Chihuly will be showing his work through May 2009.
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What a lovely way to spend a evening before the Christmas holiday .With good friends, cocoa, and just enough chill to feel seasonal. We really enjoyed the varieties of music from swing, folksie and jazz . I wished we had gotten there earlier so we could have really sat for a while and gotten
more relaxed. We just hurried through to see it all. The glass exhibit is amazing , it added so much to the evening . We were awestruck with the unusual shapes , sizes and creativity involved. If you ever felt like going to see the Luminaries this the year to do it!
I would just to encourage families to leave the kids at home.It's dark , it's cactus, it's jazzy music , it's about the adults. I can't imagine what a child would benefit from attending. So leave the kiddies at home.
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This is a great place to go if you want to escape. I loved it so much that I became a member. I have seen the Chihuly exhibit three times and it definitely brought the gardens to a new level. It is a great way to spend the day, I highly recommend them.
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It is a nice place to relax!! and they always have some interesting activity going on. The best so far was Chihuli and the night walks. From time to time they have plant sales and they have such a good variety of them. I'm looking forward to sign a membership!
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Cacti. Lots of it.
But it's more interesting than it sounds! I would ONLY come here on a nice day around sunset time. Come maybe half an hour before the sun really starts setting and then be amazed as beautiful shadows are cast throughout the garden (I'm not from the area, so I'm blown away everyday by a Phoenix sunset).
Also, do try to catch the Chihuly exhibit before it ends. I didn't find it as amazing as some, but it's definitely an interesting concept that is also greatly enhanced by sunsets ;-). And the DJ and live performers they get seem to be top notch, so the evening socials definitely look interesting if you're into that cocktail party sort of vibe.
Don't forget to bring your camera!
My boyfriend and I took a road trip to Arizona during Jan. We came to Phoenix and discovered how there isn't much to do! We didn't think we would go to the Desert Botanical Gardens but we decided to go.
We were so impressed! We went on a tour with our guide, Archer, who was adorable, friendly, and knowledgeable. I really recommend going on the tour.
We then just walked around. It was interactive and we got to see some animals.
Then we went to the store and they had such interesting cacti! We bought the bunny ears and the dinosaur back. When we bought them, the cashier told us where they are from and wrapped the bunny ears for me and told me to be very careful since it really itches if you get pricked. Very nice and personable.
It was a really enjoyable experience!
chihuly chihuly chihuly.
visited dbg for the first time for the chihuly event "agave on the rocks" and for 75 a person the event was done beautifully. well worth it. drinks were good, food was mediocre, but the atmosphere is what made the event. not too yuppy but still with plenty of trendy. the art is spectacular and it looks like the desert took acid and smoked a couple of joints. the area is large with lots to explore.
def a must-see.
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Hey All!
If you are looking for Chihully at the Desery Botanical Gardens, you've missed it! But, you won't miss the intimate atmosphere that is provided by the garden and the creatures living in the garden. We wandered over to Desert Botanical Gardens in search of the Chihully exihibit and found a quiet peaceful garden. I have to admit because it was nearly 100 degrees outside the garden was a little more vacant but this actually proved to benefit our experience. We noticed several creatures walking around the garden and foraging for food. At one point, one of the large squirrels was walking around right in front of us, practically posing on a tree branch! We took several pictures of our squirrel friend. We also noticed several lizards wandering around just a few feet away from us! Overall the experience of the garden was fantastic and very relaxing. Stop by on a cooler afternoon, or early evening for a wildlife experience you surely won't forget.
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I love this place! Great for kids because they have activities for them and in the spring the butterfly garden is teeming with life. Always have a something great on exhibit. Being a member there myself, I know there are a lot, no, a ton of classes and walks and guides there almost daily. Classes from the arts to landscape design.
The experience is never the same there on the trails and in the exhibits, which is what makes it so fun. You really have to go there and walk the trails and hear the jazz played at night!
I've been to the Desert Botanical Garden many times, and each time it gets more enjoyable. When I first moved to the Phoenix -- I was totally ignorant to all the beauty of desert life. This garden has helped me to see the errors of my ways. There is so much variety to be found between cacti and succulents. As well as a multitude of desert critters :)
There are several events hosted throughout the year to make DBG worth revisits -- Flashlight Tours, Jazz in the Garden, Butterfly Exhibits, etc. The staff is knowledgeable and enthusiastic. The grounds are well manicured and well planned out (wide meandering trails, specialized gardens, nice garden shop and folk art displays). It's great for both family and singles alike.
Lately, there has been a bit of construction as they have been improving their garden... but I don't mind, cause its all in an effort to make the place more enjoyable.
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