The Desert Botanical Gardens

I’m honestly ashamed to admit that after almost 7 years in Arizona, I have never visited the Botanical Garden, well not until today, I visited it only because I have put it as an optional activity for my fellow Travbuddies who are coming for a meet-up on October 23 and 24, 2009. The Garden is extraordinary, quite simply beautiful and I must add I would have spent more time had it not been for the heat. The weather man was wrong, it was supposed to be cool today, but no, nah ah, it was over 90 degrees and a little uncomfortable. The breeze made it a little bearable. I was delighted by the grand display of three giant glass forms in the front garden as one approaches the main information area. The artist Dale Chihuly of Chihuly Glass Studios has installed three exciting glass trees that grab your attention right off as you come in. The garden is a wonderful opportunity for us to learn about the plants, animals and birds in the desert environment. The Monarch butterfly exhibition is an added treat to it all, not to be missed for an extra $3.00. It would be a shame for a tourist to visit Phoenix and leave without visiting the Botanical Gardens. It's tourist friendly with plenty of picture taking opportunities (especially if you are a Travbuddy, ha-ha!). You can even buy some small boxed cactus gardens in the gift shop along with many other gifts.

Below is a collection of photos from the garden . . . enjoy viewing the photographs, share your thoughts!