| Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior, AZ |
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Boyce Thompson Arboretum is located an hour east of Phoenix, Arizona and is nestled in and among red volcanic crags
covered with Sonoran Desert vegetation. This backdrop of Saguaros, Chollas, Prickly Pears, Barrel Cacti, and
other native plants highlights the Arboretum's 3 acre cactus garden. The many mature specimens are a treat;
especially for those who don't have the space or climate to grow larger plants. In addition to the outdoor
Cactus Garden, Boyce Thompson has a moderate-sized conservatory with many rare and unusual cacti species which
are too delicate to grow outdoors. The somewhat out-of-the way location of this fantastic horticultural display
creates a serene solitude that more than justifies the drive from Phoenix.
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Boyce Thompson Arboretum
37615 U.S. Highway 60
Superior, AZ 85273
Tel: 520-689-2723
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arboretum.ag.arizona.edu/ |
Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, AZ |
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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.
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Desert Botanical Garden
1201 North Galvin Parkway
Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tel: 480-941-1225
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www.dbg.org |
Huntington Library & Gardens in San Marino, CA |
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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.
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The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
1151 Oxford Road
San Marino, CA 91108
Tel: 626-405-2100
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www.huntington.org |
Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, CA |
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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.
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Quail Botanical Gardens
230 Quail Gardens Drive
Encinitas, CA 92024
Tel: 760-436-3036
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www.qbgardens.com |
