Tucson Botanical Gardens, Arizona
Visit the Botanic Gardens at Tucson to Learn About Desert Plants
Mar 4, 2009
The city of Tucson is located in southern Arizona, at approximately 118 miles southeast of Phoenix and 60 miles north of the US-Mexico border; due to a mild climate year round in Tucson, the Tucson Botanical gardens are open daily year round (except holidays). Today the botanical gardens have grown considerably since the organization first offered memberships in 1968, after opening to the public in 1964.
Early History of Tucson Botanical Gardens
The early version of Tucson Botanical Gardens (in 1964) consisted of a large range of cacti and palms in the gardens of the home of Harrison G. Yocum, a horticulturist and collector. After a couple of temporary moves, Tucson Botanical Gardens eventually became situated at the former property of Bernice Porter in 1974; today, it has become a center for learning, a horticultural center and a sanctuary for wild birds, in addition to the native desert plants found in the botanical gardens.
Horticultural Therapy at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Horticultural therapy facilitates the use of both gardening and nature to aid in the treatment of health related issues; many issues can be resolved through horticultural therapy including improved social skills, improved motor skills, creativity, enhanced sensory stimulation and reduced stress levels. Since 1998, trained docents of the horticultural therapy program at Tucson Botanical Gardens have helped over 1000 people in southern Arizona.
Center for Learning at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens offers many opportunities for learning at all ages; Signature classes offer small workshops to learn more about gardening and wildlife of the Tucson area. There are also many field trips, classes and workshops for both adults and children; inquire direct with Tucson Botanical gardens for further information.
Things to See and Do at Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens include many gardens and garden activities, as well as some additional exhibits; the following is an example of some of the gardens and exhibits available:
- Herb Garden – culinary, medicinal and fragrant herbs grown locally
- Native American Crops Garden
- Cactus and Succulent Garden
- Wildflower Garden
- Butterfly Garden
- Butterfly Magic – a live tropical butterfly exhibit
- Historical Gardens
- Zen Garden
- Garden Railway
- Gardens Gift Shop
- Sensory Patios
- Gardens Cafe (open seasonally)
- Gallery at the Gardens.
'Need-to-Know' Information for Tucson Botanical Gardens
Tucson Botanical Gardens are:
- Located at 2150 North Alveron Way, Tucson, Arizona, 85712
- Gardens and gift shop are open daily from 8.30 am to 4.30 pm (excluding holidays)
- Butterfly Magic is open daily from 10 am – 3 pm (closed January 1, July 4 , Thanksgiving, December 24 - 25)
- Admission cost for adults is $7
- Admission cost for children aged 4 – 12 is $3
- Children aged 3 and under are admitted free of charge
- Butterfly Magic admission is higher but includes admission to the Gardens.
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Arboretums and Botanic Gardens of Arizona
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