Heaviest Heat, Worrisome Winds, Humidity... What Now?

“Thar’s beauty in that there desert”…..

If you are at a loss right about now and already tired of the summer heat. If you’re needing a little inspiration as to what would grow and blooms in the middle of a Phoenix summer/monsoon season. If you fear your garden hobby has come to a halt for the next 2 months. Then consider a day trip to one of our amazing desert landscaped location.

“Simplicity is the heart of everything. If you look to the desert,

apparently the desert is very simple but it’s full of life,

it’s full of hidden places and the beauty is that is looks simple

but it’s complex in the way that it expresses the soul of the world or God.”

Paulo Coelho

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. Shady in many places, this is a good morning drive and escape from the desert Heat. Get there before 1:00 pm. 

 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.   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.  A standard look in arid regions, easy for the average homeowner or plant-loving individual to create; a must for those busy desert dwellers that want a nice lawn/entry way.  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.

 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. A visit to the Desert Botanical Garden is a wonderful way for people of all ages to spend the early mornings of summer and the afternoon/early evenings the rest of the year.

 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. Situated on 4 acres, enjoy rare and fascinating desert plant specimens on a self- guided tour. Get there early!

 Additionally, go for a hike or bike or horseback ride 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 & trail biking

Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area

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

Prepare for a hike- many of these trails are not for amateurs.           

Let someone know where you are and take water and cell phone communication. 

DO NOT VENTURE OFF THE TRAILS.

Remember to take WATER, head and eye covering and wear sunblock…

Lastly, take a leisurely drive out to one of our stunning desert lakes for a view of our states wonderful, brilliantly colored wildflowers in the spring and amazing cactus in the summer. 

Hang out or camp on the beaches of Bartlett or Canyon Lakes, Picnic at Saguaro Lake or rent a boat or jet ski at Lake Pleasant. Saguaro Lake and Lake Pleasant offer waterfront dining and gorgeous natural sights are seen while cruising the lake on the old timey Paddle Boat at Canyon Lake. Occasionally say Hello to our wild burros, Javelina and rattlers.

Listed below are the metro area’s well-known lakes for activity, fun and fishing:

Bartlett Lake

Horseshoe Lake

Lake Pleasant-fee for entry

Saguaro Lake

Canyon Lake

Take advantage of all the botanical beauty the great state 48 has to offer. Venture further beyond the metro area and enjoy over-night trips to Roosevelt Lake, Lake Powell or Lake Havasu.

For sure, you’ll return with a new ideas about what to pot or plant on your back porch. Rock gardens, with wood pieces, cacti and lawn ornaments can be delightful in the height of the summer. 🏜

Explore and Enjoy…. “The desert is a natural extension of the inner silence of the body.” 🌵