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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This holiday season, celebrate the people who matter most by participating in Poinsettias with a Purpose.
From November 27-January 9, a striking 6-foot tree will stand in the heart of the Arboretum’s Historic Smith Greenhouse, adorned with poinsettias. Each plant will bear a tribute to a life remembered, a milestone celebrated, or a person whose presence continues to inspire.
With a donation of $150 to support the Arboretum`s mission, you can take part in this beautiful display. Each poinsettia includes a tag with your own personalized message.
Learn more and support at the link in bio.
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Peak fall color continues to decorate Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Fall color is still going strong across the Canyon Region and Demonstration Garden. If you weren`t able to make it this weekend, make sure to stop by next weekend! This is the perfect time to take pictures and make the most out of Arizona`s fall and winter season.
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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Thank you to @arizonasfamily for this feature on our amazing Fall Colors at @btarboretum! Please come visit and enjoy! Info is at www.BTArboretum.org BEAUTIFUL!
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Aloe is in bloom at Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Aloes are beginning to bloom across the Arboretum, shooting up stalks of red, yellow, and orange flowers. Their blooms add a pop of color to an already stunning landscape.
These blooms are a great opportunity to capture some amazing photos. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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It`s International Volunteer Day.
Thank you to all of our amazing volunteers! Whether they`re maintaining gardens, guiding tours, or educating visitors about the wildlife they see at Boyce Thompson Arboretum, their hard work and support play a vital role in keeping the Arboretum running.
Help us thank our volunteers in the comments!
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Immerse yourself in the beauty of peak fall color at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Get tickets at the link in bio.
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This holiday season, shop local at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Make your holiday gifts extra special by getting them at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. When you make a purchase from the Arboretum gift shop, you`re not only supporting us, you are supporting all the local and small businesses that partner with us to sell their merchandise.
Through December 7th, members also receive 20% off plants and plant pots. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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Happy World Coati Day!
This year, we`ve had the honor of watching a band of white-nosed coati roam Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The white-nosed coati (Nasua narica) is a member of the Procyonidae family, which includes raccoons and our Arizona state mammal, the ringtail.
📸: @kimberly.deer.photography
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