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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The perfect weather is calling—whether you’re here for the incredible variety of plants, curious wildlife, or simply a peaceful moment, the Arboretum has it all. Take a stroll and see what inspires you today!
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Reconnect with the soothing sounds and sights of nature. Whether you’re seeking inspiration or a quiet retreat, the Arboretum is the perfect place to enjoy a moment of peace.
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Did you know that milkweed is essential for the survival of monarch caterpillars? Monarchs rely on milkweed as the only food source for their caterpillars, making this plant a critical part of their life cycle.
Milkweed not only provides nourishment for these iconic pollinators but also offers protection. Monarch caterpillars ingest toxic compounds from milkweed, which make them less palatable to predators—a clever natural defense!
Sadly, habitat loss has reduced the availability of milkweed, threatening monarch populations. Planting native milkweed in gardens and green spaces helps create safe habitats for monarchs to lay their eggs and ensures caterpillars have the food they need to grow and eventually transform into butterflies.
Interested in supporting these beautiful pollinators? Consider planting milkweed in your yard and helping preserve their migration journey for future generations.
Experience the tranquility of the Arboretum, where every path offers a quiet moment to reconnect with yourself and the natural world.
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Fall Color Update | Our fall colors are about to take center stage! According to the forecast, this weekend should bring a beautiful burst of color. Grab a friend and come experience autumn’s charm!
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Meet the Coatis, curious creatures that call the desert home!
Found in Arizona’s desert scrub, woodlands, and riparian areas, these playful animals are relatives of raccoons. They are recognized by their long tails and social nature. During the day, they forage for insects, fruits, and small critters, using their strong claws for climbing and digging.
Keep an eye out—you might just spot one on your next visit to the Arboretum!
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Bird Week is still soaring until November 15th! With the perfect weather, it`s a great time to head outdoors and explore the Arboretum. Grab your bird checklist, learn about our featured birds, and enjoy a beautiful day connecting with nature. Don’t miss out on this special opportunity—see you on the trails!
#visitarizona #visitsuperior #visitphoenix #1arb #thingstodoAZ #explorenature #explorepinalcounty #visitmesa
🍂 Fall Color Update | We are starting to see some yellows and a few reds appear in the canyon.
Our best estimate, depending on the weather forecast, is peak fall color towards the end of November. We will keep you posted as things change. Stay tuned for more updates! #visitarizona #visitphoenix #visitmesa #explorepinalcounty #thingstodoaz #1arb