The Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix is an absolute marvel to both the avid cacti enthusiast and casual observer alike. There are extensive collections of cacti in planted beds as well as native Sonoran Desert species in their natural setting. Visitors can enjoy a wide variety of interpretative exhibits and even purchase some potted cacti at the gift shop. I highly recommend that anyone who traveling close to Phoenix should make time to stop by the Desert Botanical Garden.

One cannot overstate the magnificence of The Huntington Library and it's vast collection of art work and books along with it's acres of gardens. What is truly amazing is that the Desert Garden, which is just one of many fantastic features of The Huntington, is in itself a very important asset to society. The significance of the collection is not likely surpassed by any other.

Many pictures on CactiGuide.com are of specimens from the Huntington which I've taken during my visits there. The four above, however, were taken by Robert L. Freeman Jr.

Quail Botanical Gardens has two major cacti sections. One located near the entrance with a variety of tightly packed specimens and easy access. The other is spread out on either side of a dirt path with individual scattered plants spotting open patches on a brush covered hillside. I was pleasantly surprised to find two Pereskia hiding here amongst the bushes. If you visit as I would recommend you do, be sure also to look for the terrace on the other side of the garden that is completely covered with a Hylocereus Undatus plant.