Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

the wandering chick

...Desert Botanical Garden

A year-round wonder

The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is a great place to spend a pleasant spring day meandering along paths lined with every desert cacti imaginable...and many that aren't.

Every time I go, I feel I'm there for the first time because it changes with each season. The cacti are year round, faithful and loyal friends that you can be sure will be there to greet you, no matter the season.

But on this visit, Spring enveloped the air and cast around us a plethora of hues, both bright and subtle. It brought out curious wildlife that normally cares not to be seen. It put cheery little blossoms on the otherwise colorless cacti and it presented an abundance of richness and vitality in its many trees anxious and proud to spread their blooming limbs.

The Desert Botanical Garden is located in downtown Phoenix adjacent to the zoo.

There are many varities of prickly pear, and this one is called Bunny Ears Prickly Pear.

Even the most delicate of birds find a way to snuggle into a thorny cactus to build their nests.

This round-tailed ground squirrel had obviously been fed by humans. He didn't hesitate to run up to us hoping for a handout.

It's always interesting to learn of new plants. This paper spine cholla is one I had never seen before.

The call of the Gambel's quail could be heard throughout the park on this particular day.

Sometimes oddities occur for reasons unknown. This is a crested saguaro, so named because of its crest-like shape. Also called Cristates, they are quite rare, and scientists have not yet come up with a cause for the mutations. The same one is below.

This lizard came wandering out of the bushes and caught the attention of nearby photographers.

closeup of thorned tree with yellow leaves

Madagascan Ocotillo, a close-up

If you're interested in viewing more Chihuly sculptures in the Desert Botanical Garden, click here.

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The Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail, lined with towering Organ Pipe Cactus, offers sweeping views of the distant mountains.

World-renowned Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures are scattered throughout the gardens, and a small indoor exhibit displays artwork and a few other glass sculptures such as this one.

Chihuly sculpture entitled "Fiori Boat"

Chihuly sculpture entitled "Opal and Amber Tower"

Chihuly sculpture entitled "Sol del Citrón"