Horticulture
Diversity Through People and Plants
During Diversity Month, the Garden is sharing stories of people, their relationship with plants and the important role diversity plays for both. It may not seem so obvious to urban dwellers, but throughout history, people and the plants they live among have been...
Pining for Pineapple
Pineapples in the desert Arizona has many seasons that are perfect for fruit growing. You can often smell the blooming flowers from fruit trees that will soon become oranges and lemons. Some cactus fruits even look like a tiny pineapple. Bromeliads, tillandsia and...
Earth Day Tool Shed | 2021
Celebrate Earth Day throughout the month of April with Desert Botanical Garden. The theme of this year’s Earth Day is Restore Our Earth. Learn about a variety of ways you and your family can help preserve nature and be a good steward to the environment. The Tool Shed...
Plume Power | The Mystery of Gambel’s Quail
Garden visitors often ask why Gambel’s quail have those curious-looking plumes on their heads that are especially prominent on the males. Composed of six black, comma-shaped feathers that tightly overlap, you might guess that this topknot’s function is to impress....
Brittlebush | A Desert Survivor
Brittlebush–a widespread and very drought-resistant woody shrub with bright yellow flowers–is one of the most conspicuous desert plants when in bloom from late winter to mid-spring. During really dry, hot years with little soil moisture, their green leaves can appear...
Chuparosa | A Plant for Every Season
When driving through the desert or walking the paths at the Garden this time of year, feast your eyes on the red blossoms of the Chuparosa (Justicia californica). This native plant grows along the washes of Southern Arizona, but is also a terrific addition to a home...
