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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♻️Do you recycle? These birds do! Meet nature`s best clean up crew: the Turkey Vulture. Next time you visit us, keep an eye out for these incredible birds. If you get any pics, don`t forget to tag us in your post!
#turkeyvulture #vulturelove #BirdingCommunity #azbirding #birdfacts
Boyce Thompson Arboretum will be closed on Saturday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We`ll reopen Sunday, July 5th from 6 am to 12 pm. See you then!
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As our fiscal year comes to a close, we`re reflecting with gratitude on the incredible community that makes Boyce Thompson Arboretum thrive.
Your support doesn`t take the summer off. During these hottest months, your generosity helps care for thousands of desert plants, provides vital habitat for Arizona wildlife, advances conservation and research, and prepares us to welcome thousands of students and visitors in the seasons ahead.
Every thriving bloom, shaded trail, and wildlife sighting is possible because of supporters like you.
Thank you for growing with us, believing in our mission, and helping protect Arizona`s desert landscapes for generations to come.
It`s not too late to add your support! Donate Now --> https://tinyurl.com/donateBTA
Join us Wednesday, July 1, for an early morning Bird Walk! This guided walk is perfect for beginners and seasoned birders alike. Don`t have binoculars? No problem! Loaner binoculars are available at our admission window. We hope to see you there!
📆Wednesday, July 1
🕕6:15 - 7:45 am
🚶🏽♀️Walk size: 15 people
🎫Free with admission
#aznature #birdingphotography #BirdingCommunity #azbirding #birdinghotspot #naturelovers
Have you seen our raised garden beds? 🌿Located by the Smith Greenhouses, this spot is proof that growth can happen even in small, compact places. Take a look and get inspiration for your own garden!
Pictured plants:
🌱 Zinnia
🌱Amaranth
🌱Corn
🌱Nasturtium
🌱Cucumber
🌱Yellow Zucchini
Plan a visit today!
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When we think of pollinators, our minds probably go to birds and bees first. But at night, a different type of creature takes over pollination duties! A total of 29 bat species live in Arizona, making our state second in the nation for bat diversity. While many eat insects, some species drink nectar, making them a valuable part of our ecosystem.
Photo credit: Bruce D. Taubert
@pollinatorpartnership #pollinatorgarden #PollinatorWeek #pollinators #arizonabats BatAppreciat
Next time you are admiring a saguaro in bloom, make sure to thank the white-winged dove! These beautiful birds are key pollinators of saguaro cactus. In fact, they are so highly dependent on saguaro, they have synchronized their migration to match its reproductive cycle!
And of course, we can`t forget hummingbirds, the most famous of pollinating birds. Arizona has at least 17 species of these small creatures, each playing an important role in pollinating our beautiful desert plants!
@pollinatorpartnership #whitewingeddove #hummingbirds #pollinatorgarden #pollinatorweek
Many plants go dormant during the winter, but the Sea Squill does the opposite! When temperatures start to rise and water becomes less available, this plant sheds its leaves and conserves energy until conditions become more favorable.
During its flowering cycle, the Sea Squill attracts insect pollinators like bees and butterflies, giving it an important role in the pollination cycle!
#PollinatorWeek #seasquill #desertplants #planteducation #plantlovers #plantfacts