Arizona’s Oldest and Largest Botanical Garden

A four night stay at The Lost Dutchman State Park in Apache Junction (for a family birthday celebration) came to an end with us packing up and hitting the open road.  Our next destination had us driving east toward the community of Superior, Arizona.  At milepost #223 as we approached this historic mining town our plan to visit the Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park was a reality.  We missed seeing this botanical garden last year and are thankful that we were able to stop this year.

The Arboretum has more than three miles of paths and trails crisscrossing 100 acres worth of gardens and features plants from desert ecosystems all across the planet along Queen Creek, and sits beneath the volcanic remnant called, Picketpost Mountain.  You know that this area is a special place once you see the towering 150 foot eucalyptus and red gum trees, cacti from Africa, Australia, North, Central and South America and cliffs of volcanic rock – or rhyolite as it is also referred to.   It was a sunny day so the 2-3 hours that we walked were not a problem. The Arboretum was founded in the 1920’s by mining magnate Col. William Boyce Thompson.  In 1917 the Colonel served as co-leader of a Red Cross mercy mission to Russia, where he came to understand the importance of plants as the ultimate source of food, clothing and shelter.  It was then, that he determined to use his great wealth to improve the use of plant resources.  The Arboretum is one of his legacies. Currently, the Arizona State Parks Board cooperatively manages the Arboretum for the 75,000+ visitors it receives annually.

Featured are plants from the world’s deserts, towering trees, cacti, sheer mountain cliffs, a streamside forest, panoramic vistas, natural habitats, a desert lake, hidden canyon, specialty gardens (Aussie fun!) and more.

Let’s start at the beginning of the main trail with the succulents.
A succulent has the ability to store water within swollen leaves , stems or roots.  This enables them to survive long periods of drought in hostile environments.  Succulents are classified into plant families based upon their flowers.  Many plant families from many areas of the world are represented by succulents.  We were thrilled to enter their greenhouses to see the many types of succulents from areas that you wouldn’t normally see – quite a variety of cacti that were truly amazing.

		Desert Plants VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Throughout the Arboretum we were pretty much amazed at the surprises that were around every corner of the trail.  This next group of pictures are the flowers that were in bloom and the towering trees that included eucalyptus, legume, varieties of palms, and from Australia the tall 150 ft. Red Gum and Boojum trees (a unique cone shaped wonder).
The main loop trail (called High Trail) was so much fun to walk.  Our cameras were busy snapping pictures and we hope that you’ll feel like you’re there too.  Enjoy!

		High Trail Vistas VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

And last but not least, we wanted to share with you some of the very, let us say, unique items in the Arboretum.  These would be the suspension bridge, stone house (existing structure that the Colonel renovated as a play house for the grandkids), Australian items of interest (you’ll enjoy these), tree bark and stump art at its best, a rock maize that Kay had to investigate. . .to name a few.  We had smiles on our faces during the entire time that we spent and realized that the admission price of $10 a person was definitely worth it and we would highly recommend if you are in the area.

		This is unique! VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

A perfect sign-off for us wanderers who are not lost! Can you spot the Irish Claddagh on the sundial? It’s meaning is thus: The hands represent friendship the heart represents love; the crown represents loyalty. By the way, you can tell what time we were taking the picture of the sundial.  Look for the faint shadow to the right.  If you said 12:30, you are correct. Thanks for following us.