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 Eucalyptus caesia is a true showstopper in bloom! Native to Western Australia, this small and graceful tree enchants with its silvery, powdery bark, and cascading pink or red flowers. These blossoms aren’t just a feast for the eyes—they’re also essential to pollinators like bees and birds, playing a vital role in their ecosystem.
#gilbert #mesa #desertbeauty #visitarizona #queencreek #exploreaz #aznature #chandleraz #tempeaz #santanvalley #arizonatrails #visitphoenix #arizonahiking #arizonahikes #explorenature #ExploreAZ #sonorandesert #thingstodoAZ #visitmesa
See What Everyone’s Talking About! The Wallace Desert Garden at Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a 13-acre masterpiece featuring over 5,000 plants from the world’s most arid regions.
Visitors say it’s “breathtaking” and “a must-see for nature lovers.” Walk among towering saguaros, vibrant succulents, and rare, endangered plants carefully curated to showcase the beauty and resilience of desert life.
Did You Know? This garden preserves plants that are vital to global desert ecosystems and offers a glimpse into sustainable landscaping for the future.
Don’t just wonder what it’s like, plan your visit today, and experience why this garden is one of the most talked-about attractions in the region.
Start your journey at btarboretum.org
#desertbeauty #visitarizona #arizona #mesa #queencreek #gilbert
The hedgehog cactus, particularly species like Echinocereus fasciculatus var. boyce-thompsonii, holds a rich legacy deeply intertwined with the history of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. This cactus was among the first planted at the arboretum in the 1920s and remains a symbol of our dedication to the preservation and appreciation of desert plants. Native to arid regions, these cacti are renowned for their stunning blooms and unique adaptations to survive harsh environments.
At the Arboretum, we take pride in conserving these iconic plants. Many species of hedgehog cactus, such as Echinocereus triglochidiatus var. arizonicus, are listed as endangered due to habitat loss and illegal harvesting. Our propagated plant sales program serves as a crucial initiative to combat this issue, providing sustainably grown cacti for the public while protecting wild populations. Additionally, cacti salvaged from construction sites are nurtured and given a new lease on life within our collections.
By supporting ethical propagation, research, and education, we aim to prevent further exploitation of these desert treasures. However, the challenges of conservation require a collective effort.
You can play a vital role in protecting the hedgehog cactus and other desert plants:
1. Avoid purchasing plants taken from the wild. Support organizations like ours that offer sustainably propagated specimens.
2. Contribute your time or resources to help our conservation programs thrive.
3. Educate others about the importance of desert plant conservation and the threats posed by habitat destruction and illegal harvesting.
Let’s ensure the beauty and resilience of the hedgehog cactus continue to inspire generations to come. Visit Boyce Thompson Arboretum to experience these marvels firsthand and join us in safeguarding our desert`s biodiversity!
Explore More & Get Involved Today at btarboretum.org
Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a sanctuary for birds. Recognized as one of Arizona’s top Audubon Important Bird Areas. On #nationalbirdday, celebrate the incredible biodiversity we protect every day.
Together, we’re making a difference.
Photos by Tim Lee
Did you know our resident coatis LOVE the myrtle tunnel in the canyon? These skilled foragers might take over the tunnel for a short feast because, hey, even wildlife deserves a lunch break!
If you see them snacking, please be patient and enjoy the show from a safe distance. The trail under the tunnel may be briefly closed, but the sight of these adorable creatures in action is totally worth it!
🎉 Happy New Year! 🎉
We’re open today, 8 AM–5 PM (last admission 4 PM).
Start 2025 surrounded by nature. Don’t miss out!
#desertbeauty #arizonatrails #exploreaz #aznature #queencreek #santanvalley #gilbert #chandleraz #tempeaz #mesa
A world of hiking and discovery is waiting. Plan your visit at btarboretum.org today!
Photos by Tim Lee
#birdingphotography #azbirding #birdinghotspot #naturelovers #ThingsToDoAZ #hikingarizona
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