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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If it looks like a duck and it swims like a duck... it may not actually be a duck! Because it lacks webbed feet, the American Coot isn`t a duck at all, but we still think it`s very "coot".
We spotted this mom and chick enjoying a nice swim at the Arboretum. The top of the chick`s head is a yellow-orange color, but this will darken as it gets older. Plan a visit today to see even more birds that call the Arboretum home.
#americancoot #birdwatching #aznature #birdingphotography #azbirding #naturelovers #animalovers
Today marks the start of monsoon season! Typically beginning June 15th, a shift in winds brings increased moisture while pressure builds in the upper atmosphere. This creates the perfect condition for a monsoon. The added moisture from these storms helps sustain plants and wildlife across the desert.
However, monsoons can also bring hazards like flash flooding. Be sure to check the weather forecast before heading outdoors. If you hear or see rushing water, move to higher ground and never attempt to cross.
Stay safe and enjoy another season of monsoons!
#aznature #monsoonseason #arizonaweather #WeatherSafety
Have you ever wondered why plants from completely different parts of the world can look so similar?
An arid-adapted plant native to Africa may share many characteristics with a species native to the Sonoran Desert, even though they evolved separately. This phenomenon is called convergent evolution!
Although these plants do not share a recent common ancestor, they have developed similar adaptations that help them survive in dry climates.
Visit our East Greenhouse to explore arid-adapted plants from the Eastern Hemisphere and see for yourself how they compare to Arizona`s native desert plants.
#aznature #NatureArizona #1Arb #plantfacts #naturelovers #natureeducation #plantlovers
Start your morning off right at Boyce Thompson Arboretum! By taking advantage of our early summer hours, you can ensure a morning surrounded by the sights, sounds, and smells of nature before the temperature gets too hot.
June Hours:
6:00 am – 12:00 pm
Open Wednesday – Monday
Closed Tuesdays
$16 Admission
#aznature #BTA #BoyceThompsonArboretum #ArizonaNature #SonoranDesert
Experience Boyce Thompson Arboretum from the comfort of a golf cart! Our expert Docents will take you on a tour of the most beautiful parts of the Arboretum while sharing stories, botanical facts, and other insights. These tours are the perfect way to explore the gardens during the hot summer months.
Summer Golf Cart Tours:
🗓1st, 3rd & 5th Fridays and Saturdays
🕣June-August | 7:30 am – 8:30 am
💲$20 per person, plus admission
5️⃣Up to 5 guests per tour
Advance registration recommended!
Register today using the link in our bio.
If you visit us this summer, you will likely see the many Turkey Vultures that call the Arboretum home! Early in the morning before it gets too hot they are often seen perched with wings outstretched toward the sun. As it get warmer, they take flight, utilizing warm air currents called thermals to stay up without ever needing to flap their wings. Their appearance and diet may make them seem frightening, but Turkey Vultures are wonderful birds that work hard to keep the environment clean. Come visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum and see the Turkey Vultures for yourself!
#BoyceThompsonArboretum #ArizonaNature #ArizonaWildlife #ExploreArizona #BTA #birding #azbirding
Fruit trees can thrive anywhere, even in the arid Arizona climate! You just have to know the right ones. At Boyce Thompson Arboretum, we grow apples, peaches, figs, almonds, and more. Come explore our gardens and don`t forget to stop by our gift shop on your way out to pick up a plant of your very own.
#BoyceThompsonArboretum #SonoranDesert #ArizonaNature #deserttrees
A coati found near Boyce Thompson Arboretum tested positive for rabies on Monday, June 8. When the coati was initially observed, she exhibited unusual behavior and was safely transported to a wildlife center nearby. Ultimately, she did not survive and after a post mortem necropsy, it was revealed she`d had rabies. We are working closely with Pinal County and Arizona Game and Fish to continue to monitor wildlife in the area for everyone`s safety.
The Arboretum takes visitor and pet safety very seriously. Staff will continue to monitor all coati movements within the Arboretum grounds, ensure they stay away from people and pets, and close areas they are accessing. To keep safe on our trails we urge you to do the following:
- Make sure your pet is fully vaccinated.
- Keep your pet on a leash at all times.
- Inform Boyce Thompson Arboretum Rangers and staff of any wildlife sightings, especially those that are near the trails.
- Keep 50 feet away from all mammalian wildlife.
- Inform Boyce Thompson Arboretum staff immediately if a sick or injured animal is observed.
For any questions or concerns, please feel free to send us a message.