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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Peak fall color has passed, but vibrant splashes of color still linger throughout the garden. Come enjoy the beautiful weather, the serene autumn scenery, and the abundant wildlife!
🍂 Watch and discover the tree species at Boyce Thompson Arboretum that transform with stunning colors every fall.
Step into a world of natural wonder. Whether you`re unwinding in a peaceful grove or marveling at a bird in flight, every moment spent outdoors is time well spent. Ready to explore?
Happy Thanksgiving from Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Today, we pause to express our heartfelt gratitude for your continued support of our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation. Because of you, we’re able to continue preserving and sharing the beauty and wonder of the Arboretum.
We’re closed today to spend time with our families, but we look forward to welcoming you back tomorrow during our normal operating hours.
Photo by Tim Lee
If you`re waiting for a sign to visit, this is it. Experience the vibrant beauty of fall color at its peak—don’t miss it!
Relive the excitement of our 2024 Green Gala!
We’re still buzzing from the incredible energy from this year’s Green Gala! From the lively jazz from @TheNash Interns, the showcase of our vivid Spiny Splendor sculptures to the stunning moments of generosity, the night was truly unforgettable. Watch the highlight video provided by @Call to Auction to see the moments that made this gala so special.
A huge thank you to our sponsors @Resolution Copper, @SRP, @HonorHealth Foundation, @Event Rents, @Call to Auction, Joseph and Gail Giacobazzi, American Family Insurance, Matthew Storms Agency, Imre and Lorna Kertész, @Latest Craze Productions, The Lester Family, @Northern Trust and Carol Parrott. Your support enables us to advance our mission to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation.
The Arboretum is full of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Have you found a favorite spot yet? Drop your recommendations for fellow visitors in the comments!
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Step outside and let nature work its magic. From colorful blooms to darting hummingbirds, the Arboretum is alive with wonders waiting to be discovered. Where will your adventure take you?
#explorepinalcounty #explorenature #visitarizona #visitphoenix #visitmesa #1arb #visitsuperior #thingstodoAZ