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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Did someone say strawberries 🍓
The Strawberry Tree (Arbutus unedo) is an evergreen tree native to the Mediterranean Basin and Western Europe. Despite its name, the plant is not closely related to the strawberries commonly eaten in the U.S.. The Strawberry Tree belongs to the Ericaceae family, same as cranberries and blueberries. The berries of the plant are edible, often being used in jams, liqueurs, and honey.
Explore edible and medicinal plants from all over the world at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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Join us this Saturday for Wet Felting
Craft a one-of-a-kind flower using the wet felting technique – an art form that uses soap, water, and friction to transform wool fibers into shapes or images. Guided by instructor @memorybradleyart, you’ll design a felted flower that’s uniquely yours, whether it be inspired by nature or imagination. No experience necessary!
Date: January 24, 2026
Time: 11 am - 2 pm
Members: $88
Non-members: $110 (Tickets include a take-home kit to continue your art at home!)
Class participants must be 16+ years of age. Register at the link in bio.
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A beautiful way to spend the day.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is open MLK Day, 8 am - 5 pm (last admission at 4 pm). Spend some time outdoors this weekend. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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A Bridled Titmouse (Baeolophus wollweberi) spotted at Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Not often seen at the Arboretum, the Bridled Titmouse is native through Mexico and parts of Arizona and New Mexico. They prefer woodlands and higher elevation, making their sighting at the Arboretum a treat.
Photo by: @keithkuttler
Explore 200+ species of native birds at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Get tickets at https://btarboretum.org/.
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It may be winter, but cacti stay green year around!
Experience the beauty of every season at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Get tickets at the link in bio.
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It doesn`t quite feel like winter at Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
The warmer temperatures and rain this winter season have tricked some of our spring blooms into showing up early this year. A reminder that plants don`t follow the calendar.
Take a advantage of the beautiful weather and early blooms. Get tickets at the link in bio.
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Explore century old eucalyptus trees at Arizona`s oldest and largest botanical garden.
Get tickets at btarboretum.org.
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Chiricahua Leopard Frogs (Lithobates chiricahuensis) spotted at Ayer Lake.
The Chiricahua Leopard Frog gets its name from the spotted pattern on it back. Native to Arizona and New Mexico, these frogs are found in or near permanent and semi-permanent water sources.
Due to habitat loss, the Chiricahua Leopard Frog is endangered. Water sources like Ayer Lake and our Queen Creek Riparian area are important water sources that give this frog and other native species a home.
Plan your next visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Get tickets at the link in bio.
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