Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s newest garden, the Wallace Desert Garden, offers expansive views, creekside trails, and hundreds of plants brand-new to BTA!
At 13 acres and with more than 5,000 new plantings, the addition of the Wallace collection moves Boyce Thompson Arboretum into the top tier of botanical gardens around the world. The main trail is wheelchair accessible.
The Story
In 2014, the Arboretum was approached with a unique offer. Would BTA accept a donation of an entire garden’s worth of plants collected by Henry B. Wallace—the Wallace Desert Gardens collection? H.B. had filled his garden with an international palette of arid land plants—a stunning array of thousands of mature trees, shrubs, cacti and succulents. He had passed away in 2005 and his foundation was no longer able to maintain the valuable collection in Scottsdale, but they wanted to keep the collection together. At BTA the plants would get the same amount of rain as at the Scottsdale location and would have the same dew point and elevation.
Not only did BTA need to design a new garden, it had to transplant 5,870 plants. Beginning in December 2015, most of H.B.’s collection was moved 75 miles from north Scottsdale to BTA—by truck, car and semi. Logan Simpson Architects, Native Resources International, the Wallace Desert Gardens Board and staff, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum all collaborated to bring the mammoth endeavor to completion. The team developed and designed a 13-acre garden with 1.5 miles of new trails, and a bridge over Queen Creek.
Experience the Garden
Perfectly situated next to Queen Creek, the Wallace Desert Garden expertly exhibits H.B. Wallace’s collection by region. From the Yucca Forest to the Baja Loop, you’ll see plants arrayed in a natural setting along winding trails. Of the 1,223 taxa (species, cultivars, hybrids, varieties) in the garden, 861 are new to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and 62 species are considered to be rare or endangered.
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We`re open later this May!
Not all spikes are created equal! Meet the Moroccan Mound—a Euphorbia with branch‑born thorns masquerading as a cactus. Same survival hacks, different family trees—proof that nature copies what works.
Yes, we’re OPEN this Easter Sunday!
Whether you’re strolling solo or bringing the whole crew, it’s the perfect time to soak up the sunshine and spring blooms. We’re open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with last admission at 4:00 PM.
Spring is showing off—don’t miss it!
The roses got the memo—and they’re in full diva mode. Right now, the Wallace and Heritage Rose Gardens are showing off with blooms so bold, you’ll swear they’ve got main character energy.
Swipe through to see why these petals are impossible to get over.
Celebrate Arbor Day at Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Join us for our second annual Arbor Day Celebration and immerse yourself in the wonderful world of trees! This event is perfect for the whole family, with exciting tree-themed activities and crafts. Plus, Girl Scouts can earn a special patch for attending (while supplies last, pre-registration required 7830.blackbaudhosting.com/7830/Girl-Scouts-Arbor-Day-2025). Event entry is free with paid admission.
Date: April 26th
Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Location: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173
Highlights:
Liberty Wildlife: Meet ambassador birds up close!
Department of Fire and Forestry Management: Learn about tree care and fire safety.
Ice, Ice Baby: Enjoy delicious snow cones and fresh-pressed lemonade.
Tree-themed Activities and Games: Fun for all ages!
Activities:
Tree or Not Tree
Tree Slice Necklaces
Leaf Shape Viewer
Tree Scavenger Hunts
Thank a Tree
Dendrochronology
Tissue Paper Trees
Annuals Vs. Perennials. Do you know the difference?
Ever wondered what grape soda smells like in nature? Texas Mountain Laurel delivers that fizzy fragrance straight to your garden—no can required.
Food truck feasts + local crafts = the perfect Sunday. Thanks to everyone who showed up last Sunday for Flavor of Arizona, thank you to our incredible vendors for the eats and the artistry, and to our sponsors Explore Pinal County and Humana for the support. Drop a ❤️ if you’ll be back next time!