Fabulous Gardens in Tucson, Arizona

Created as a park-like space of natural beauty amid encroaching urban development, Tohono Chul will appeal to all garden lovers as well as those wishing to increase their understanding of the relationship between plants and Native Peoples.

Several nature trails offer the opportunity to learn more about the desert vegetation and wildlife through interpretive signs. The South Loop trail is also home to more than 300 native, night-blooming cereus (Peniocereus greggii). Resembling a cluster of dead branches, this ‘Queen of the Night’ blooms for just one night each summer. The large, white, fragrant blooms elicit much excitement as the garden stays open late so that visitors can experience this rare spectacle.

For a change of pace, Monica recommends this free, public demonstration garden that is operated and maintained by master gardeners. As such, it is a unique, compact, yet interesting collection of 14 different gardens that are both educational and inspirational.

“It’s fascinating to see what can be grown here,” remarks Monica. She particularly appreciates the Edible Raised Garden, as it demonstrates several different ways to grow vegetables despite the notoriously poor soil and high temperatures.

This delightful botanical garden is compact in size, with mature trees casting shade along the paths and plenty of benches to rest on—the perfect way to end a busy day of garden-hopping.

Rather than formal collections, this is a garden that shows plants in settings that the homeowner can recreate. “It’s all very attainable.” Within these displays there are also beautiful pergolas, fences of ocotillo, tiled benches, and birdbaths, re-enforcing the residential concept.

Two of Monica’s favorite areas are the cactus garden, where many different varieties can be seen, their contrasting colors, shapes and textures creating a magical display; and Butterfly Magic, set within a tropical greenhouse.