Thank you .. ‘Dirt du Jour’

for the glowing review! "Go ask Alice ... where all the best vineyard gardens are. She's an erudite charmer; you'll have fun!"

Botanical Gardens

Tohono Chul Park

Touring Tucson in early Springtime is a treat for the senses…

Having looked forward to exploring the Sonoran Desert city, I was rewarded with beautiful March weather for my foray to Tohono Chul Park, finding the paths abloom with Sophora secundiflora trees.

Sophora secundiflora blooms

The Park is a welcoming setting for all who revel in the natural world, share a love of art, and wish to learn about the culture of the Southwest.

Tohono Chul Park © Alice Joyce

Garden travelers will be delighted to encounter The Desert Living Courtyard, with its 10 distinctive demonstration gardens. You’ll find design inspiration along with plantings highlighting water conservation.

Tohono Chul Moorish Garden

Art lovers will discover impressive exhibitions mounted in the galleries. A permanent collection includes pottery and basketry, weavings and carvings. Spirited works by regional artists are celebrated in shows such as the Arizona Centennial Exhibit running through April 22 in the Main Gallery. ‘My Territory’ by Magdalena Nowacka-Janotta exemplifies the expertise and beauty of works by 40 artists.

© Copyright Magdalena Nowacka-Janotta ‘My Territory’

 As recently as 2004-05, the Park expanded to include the Desert Living Courtyard, Sin Agua Garden, and Overlook area. The greenhouse is a sure sign of the active propagation activities going on at Tohono Chul, where new introductions of cold hardy arid plants, like a hybrid Penstemon, are featured in plant sales that provide local gardeners with exceptional selections for their own gardens.

Tohono Chul metal sculpture  © Alice Joyce

The entire property is rich with history, from the Santa Fe style Exhibit House architecture dating to 1937, to West House, with its popular Tea Room and gift shop.

Tohono Tearoom Courtyard Photo © Alice Joyce

La Fuente Museum Shop © Alice Joyce

Tohono Chul Critter!  © Alice Joyce

Tohono Chul Sophora secundiflora

Read More about my Tucson stay at the Arizona Inn 

Tohono Chul Orange Wall © Alice Joyce

Demonstration Gardens © Alice Joyce

 

Tohono Chul Pond

 

 

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