Tucson Botanical Gardens

Tucson Botanical gardens are a true oasis in the middle of the Sonora desert and a big attraction in Tucson. The 16 gardens that conform this amazing paradise have become one of the Tucsonan's favorite place to repose and escape from the desert's scorching hot weather. Before Tucson Botanical gardens were located at 2150 North Alvernon Way, this natural treasure had a few previous homes. The desert botanical garden was first founded in 1964 by an horticulturist and collector, Harrison G. Yocum. When he founded it, the botanical garden was located on North Jefferson St, at Mr. Yocum home. The great collection of cacti and palms were open to the public and memberships were available.

After a few years the organization reached 100 members and temporarily move to Randolph Park. Dr. Leland Burkhart (president of Tucson Botanical Garden back then) and other members of the board, start dreaming and planning to get the desert botanical garden a permanent home. Many fund-racing activities where organized in order to recollect money towards this purpose. In March 31, 1975 the dream came true thanks to the union of Tucson Botanical Gardens and a property provide by Mrs. Bernice Poter, a local woman looking for a way to preserve her gardens and house.

The 16 gardens in Tucson are truly a place for inspiration and beauty, that represents botanical themes and various gardening traditions. Among the variety of gardens we can mention: Display Garden, Herb garden, Kitchen, Native American Crops Garden, Perennial garden, Sen garden, Tropical garden, Xeriscape garden, cactus garden and the Butterfly garden.

The butterfly garden has a show call Butterfly magic and takes you on a trip across eleven countries, showing you some of the world most beautiful and exotic butterflies. All the butterflies in the botanical garden are hatched from eggs and live as caterpillars in tropical countries, in butterfly farms across the world. When the caterpillars change to the pupae (resting stage) they don't require anything to eat for about two or three days, so they are label, packed and send to Tucson Botanical garden where they emerge in a natural way from their resting stage. The butterfly magic entering fee is $13 per children.

Tucson Botanical Garden is open daily 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. This natural sanctuary is committed to educating through nature. Around 70 different classes and workshops are offer every year to teach the Tucson community and visitors about horticultural and environmental concerns. If you haven't visit this oasis, go take a look, is all you need to fall in love with Tucson Botanical gardens.

Tucson Botanical Gardens

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