Wild Flowers
The Phoenix Metro area has an abundance of outdoor activities and most all are enriched with flora and fauna. We have many public gardens to peruse and hiking/walking trails littered with wildflowers and beautiful lakes to boot!
It is absolutely fascinating as to how such beauty grows/thrives and endures this terrain and heat, but by-in-large, it does and that is just one of the many miracles of the desert. It is enchanting & enthralling and after a while you seem to embrace that, you expect it, you become part of it. It’s a great, great feeling and I am quite proud to call myself a desert dweller; a Phoenician.
Below I have both copied and added to the list many places of interest where you can not only go see the beauty but learn how to make the items of interest into your everyday world. There are classes galore to bring whatever interests you into your own yard or patio. Whether it’s poppies or butterflies, Phoenicians are only too happy to assist; to keep our valley the remarkable place that it is.
Boyce Thompson Arboretum
Founded in the 1920s Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is named after the mining magnate and is the oldest, largest arboretum in the state. The park spans over 300 acres and is run with the help of Arizona State University. It's about an hour outside of downtown Phoenix, but makes a great day trip. It's dog friendly, home to desert plants and also has a gift and plant shop.
Xeriscape Botanical Gardens
Located right in front of the Glendale Library, Xeriscape Botanical Gardens is a short trail that allows you to take in hundreds of species of plants right in the city of Glendale. Here you'll find new ideas for your own landscapes and be able to take note of any you didn't previously know about. Xeriscaping is simply a form of landscape design that requires little to no irrigation or maintenance. It's often seen in arid regions, and is easy for the average homeowner or plant-loving individual to create. A sculpture garden can be found behind the library, as well as additional trails right in the area, for a little afternoon outdoor adventure.
The Arboretum at Arizona State University
Open daily to the public, The Arboretum at Arizona State University is home to desert horticulture that takes you through Arizona's vast history of plants. Olive trees, date palms, cacti, and much more make up this "living laboratory" that is important to both classroom and public education. Housing over 900 species, the space is Arizona's largest public arboretum, and contains trees that were planted as far back as 1908. Tree tours based on themes such as "Medicinal Plants,” "Edible Landscapes,” and "Tropical Trip" is offered throughout the year. The university truly prides itself on the knowledge and resources it has to offer when it comes to horticulture, and even additionally provides virtual tours for those wanting to learn from their own home.
For a relaxing afternoon that feels like you're escaping from the city, or maybe even the country entirely, The Japanese Friendship Garden is perfect. Three and a half acres, with a tea garden and teahouse, it encourages you to take a stroll and embrace the cultural awareness between east and west. The cities of Phoenix and Himeji, Japan, became sister cities back in 1976, and the garden represents this relationship. This garden is truly a hidden gem right in the middle of the city, and is a great way to relax or seek some peace of mind. The gently flowing streams, koi fish, and serene nature will evoke a sense of appreciation for Japanese culture. There is a fee for entrance.
Encanto Park, approximately 200 acres, consists of trails, and lagoons, all located in the heart of Phoenix. Palm trees reign over the water, welcoming everyone. A carousel, rides, canoes, and much more are available for a day of fun. Not many parks cover this much acreage and cater to as many outdoor activities as Encanto does. The flowers and lush landscaping throughout are superb to include 70 red push pistachio trees and a rose garden and done by many volunteer groups such as the Friends of Encanto Park, The T-Gen Colleagues and ASU’s Lodestar created the Garden of Dreams.
many thanks to Stephen Botel for the photo above
Cacti and desert plants can be seen all across Arizona and the city of Phoenix, but you've never seen as many beautiful plant species all in one space as you will at The Desert Botanical Garden. Trails weave through the 140-acre property. A butterfly garden gives space for peaceful fluttering creatures, and the Schilling Library is available to those wanting to further their research and knowledge of plants worldwide. Paying a visit to the Desert Botanical Garden is a wonderful way for people of all ages to spend the afternoon.
An amazing oasis in the desert, The Carefree Desert Gardens in one of the only 2 public botanical gardens in the Valley, located along pedestrian-friendly Easy Street in downtown Carefree, AZ. Free to the public and open 365 days a year, this garden is situated on 4 acres, enjoy rare and fascinating desert plant specimens on a self- guided tour.
Currently in development is the Queen Creek Botanical Garden in Queen Creek, AZ. opening soon.
Additionally, go for a hike around these amazing areas for a peek at our poppies, brittlebush, chuparosa and marigolds; as well as our busy, buzzy, wildlife i.e. roadrunners, quail, lizards, hummingbirds, bees and butterflies.
Great trails for walking/hiking
Spur Cross Ranch wildflowers
Estrella Mountain Regional Park
Lost Dutchman State Park
Usery Mountain Regional Park
McDowell Sonoran Preserve
Piestewa Peak Dreamy Draw Park and Trails
Phoenix Sonoran Draw
South Mountain Park
Or take a leisurely drive out to one of our awesome lakes for a view of our states wonderful, brilliantly, colored wildflowers.
Bartlett Lake
Horseshoe Lake
Lake Pleasant-fee for entry
Saguaro Lake
Canyon Lake
Roosevelt Lake
Take advantage of all the great state 48 has to offer. Each location most likely has a website, so google and check them out.
