The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden

History

The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden dates back more than seven decades. This 145 acre site has 65 cultivated acres, showcasing more than 50,000 plants in its outdoor exhibit areas.  The garden owes its existence to Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck, who linked up with others who wished to preserve desert plants. They founded the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society in 1936 to sponsor a botanical garden. Their efforts morphed into the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden, which was incorporated one year later, with help from Gertrude Webster. 

The garden is dedicated to research, education, exhibition and conservation of desert plants from around the world, with its emphasis on the flora of the southwestern United States and the Sonoran Desert.

Hours 

The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden is open to visitors daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Children and senior citizens get discounted admission, and youngsters under age 3 are free. You can purchase your admission to the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden online for convenience or when you arrive. The garden hold occasional special events, like flashlight tours, that are available seasonally, and volunteer gardeners are on hand at designated times to answer your questions. Several seasonal tour options are also available for individuals and groups.

Fall Concert Series

The Music in the Garden Fall Concert Series at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden is a seasonal favorite. It typically runs in October and November, featuring a variety of musical styles like Motown, Latin, and Jazz, performed by local bands.

Tickets for this special event in the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden cost extra and are available in limited quantities. Tickets entitle you to open seating, and you are not allowed to bring any outside food or beverages to the concerts.

Facilities

The main attraction at the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden is the plant life, but you may also see a variety of animals, like hummingbirds, lizards, and woodpeckers.   The Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden has a cafe, gift shop, and plenty of restrooms and water fountains spread around the grounds. The fountains are especially useful on hot days when you work up quite a thirst exploring the exhibits.

You can book the Phoenix Desert Botanical Garden's facilities for special events like weddings, social get-togethers, conferences and other large group activities. The venue features outdoor terraces, open-air pavilions, banquet halls, conference rooms and a variety of scenic courtyards. Events can be held all year long at the garden, with available times between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m.

After enjoying the desert gardens, dig-in to the best Mexican food in Phoenix.