Infinity Day: Math in Bloom
At Flashlight Nights
August 8 | 7-9:30 p.m.
join us for infinity day at flashlight nights
As the sun sets, the desert transforms—revealing new sights, sounds and surprises after dark. Wander the trails with a flashlight in hand, gaze at the stars through telescopes and get up close with fascinating desert animals.
Math is woven into every part of the natural world. Explore the infinite universe at Flashlight Nights and discover the endless patterns and cycles that shape life in the Sonoran Desert—from a single drop of water to a growing agave, to entire ecosystems.
This work is supported by the Simons Foundation and is part of its “Infinite Sums” initiative.
activity stations
Agave Station: The Circle of Life
- Did you know that agaves create living circles of new plants around a parent plant?
- Explore the fascinating life cycle of these iconic desert plants and learn how they reproduce through “pups”.
- Take home your own agave pup and discover how new life grows from established plants.
People and Plants of the Sonoran Desert Pond: Life in Motion
- At the pond, follow the incredible journey of a water molecule through time and explore how water sustains life.
- Discover the life cycles of pond-dwelling creatures, from tadpoles to adult amphibians.
Infinity Scavenger Hunt
- Explore the Garden in a whole new way with a self-guided scavenger hunt along the Main Trail.
- Search for plants, patterns and natural forms that represent circles, repetition and the idea of infinity.
- Keep an eye out for illuminated raindrops, circular light installations and other hidden surprises throughout your Garden After Dark experience.
Kaleidoscope & Infinity Mirror Experience
- Step into a world of endless reflections and ever-changing patterns.
- Experiment with kaleidoscopes and teleidoscopes that transform plants into mesmerizing works of art.
- Discover how mirrors create the illusion of infinite space. Explore immersive infinity mirror installations.
Conservation in Action
- Learn more about Garden research and conservation projects to protect desert plants for future generations.
- Participate in behind-the-scenes experiences showcasing the Garden’s herbarium and seed conservation facilities.
Animal Life Cycles
- Meet wildlife care volunteers as they share the remarkable life stories of reptiles, birds, amphibians and other desert animals.
- Explore how species grow, adapt and interact within ecosystems.
The Expanding Universe
- Infinity extends far beyond Earth. Explore with hands-on activities and see how the universe continues to expand.
- Create your own model galaxy and watch how space stretches over time, causing galaxies to move farther apart.
- Investigate the astonishing scale of the universe through interactive digital experiences and learn about current discoveries from astronomy partners.
Giveaway
- The first 200 visitors will receive a complimentary Garden-branded scope to continue exploring at home.
more to explore
Flashlight Nights: Summer Edition
Saturdays, Now – Sept 26
As the sun sets, the desert transforms—revealing new sights, sounds and surprises after dark. Wander the trails with a flashlight in hand, gaze at the stars through telescopes and get up close with fascinating desert animals. Each visit offers something new, with themed activities that change weekly.
Math in Bloom includes six botanical gardens across the United States: Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (Nashville, TN), Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver, CO), Desert Botanical Garden (Phoenix, AZ), Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus, OH), Queens Botanical Garden (Flushing, NY), to bring this idea to life through plants, design and discovery.
