The Desert Botanical Garden, located within Papago park in Phoenix, is one of the finest botanical gardens in the whole United States. It was established in 1939 by the Arizona Cactus and Native Flora Society and has since accumulated over 21,000 plants. Of these 21,000 plants, 139 of the species are endangered; over 10,000 of the plants are various cacti & a rich collection of agave. The Desert Botanical Garden is over 140 acres in size and hosts an Australian, South American and Baja California collection, among others. Due to its great location, the botanical garden is accessible by all of those living in the great Phoenix apartments in the area. The Desert Botanical Garden has a very rich diversity of plant-life and is one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. With over 300,000 visitors annually, the botanical garden has been consistently growing in size and is not only known for its rich collection of flora but also its educational programs and research. Among some of the ecosystems represented within the botanical garden include a mesquite bosque, semi-desert grassland & upland chaparral scrub. Be sure not to miss one of the many garden tours hosted throughout any given month. From October 1st to May 9th, there are daily garden tours that can answer any of your questions concerning the World-renowned botanical garden, with discussion centered around the survival of plants in the extreme conditions of the Sonoran Desert. If you visit the park in October or November, tag along on one of their morning bird walks through the botanical garden’s trails. Audio tours, group tours & kids corners are all offered to visitors of the park as well. In addition to the natural beauty and vast array of plant life, the educational programs offered to both adults and children offer classes on topics ranging from landscaping and gardening to photography. The scientists employed by the park are committed to researching the conservation, floristics & horticulture of the all the plants in the desert climate. The Desert Botanical Garden is a place of true beauty and those fortunate enough to visit the botanical garden rarely leave unimpressed. If you’re in Phoenix for any reason, whether it be tourism or just looking for an excuse to get out of your Phoenix apartment, do not hesitate to visit the Desert Botanical Garden.