Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s newest garden, the Wallace Desert Garden, offers expansive views, creekside trails, and hundreds of plants brand-new to BTA!
At 13 acres and with more than 5,000 new plantings, the addition of the Wallace collection moves Boyce Thompson Arboretum into the top tier of botanical gardens around the world. The main trail is wheelchair accessible.
The Story
In 2014, the Arboretum was approached with a unique offer. Would BTA accept a donation of an entire garden’s worth of plants collected by Henry B. Wallace—the Wallace Desert Gardens collection? H.B. had filled his garden with an international palette of arid land plants—a stunning array of thousands of mature trees, shrubs, cacti and succulents. He had passed away in 2005 and his foundation was no longer able to maintain the valuable collection in Scottsdale, but they wanted to keep the collection together. At BTA the plants would get the same amount of rain as at the Scottsdale location and would have the same dew point and elevation.
Not only did BTA need to design a new garden, it had to transplant 5,870 plants. Beginning in December 2015, most of H.B.’s collection was moved 75 miles from north Scottsdale to BTA—by truck, car and semi. Logan Simpson Architects, Native Resources International, the Wallace Desert Gardens Board and staff, and Boyce Thompson Arboretum all collaborated to bring the mammoth endeavor to completion. The team developed and designed a 13-acre garden with 1.5 miles of new trails, and a bridge over Queen Creek.
Experience the Garden
Perfectly situated next to Queen Creek, the Wallace Desert Garden expertly exhibits H.B. Wallace’s collection by region. From the Yucca Forest to the Baja Loop, you’ll see plants arrayed in a natural setting along winding trails. Of the 1,223 taxa (species, cultivars, hybrids, varieties) in the garden, 861 are new to Boyce Thompson Arboretum, and 62 species are considered to be rare or endangered.
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When the trip to Boyce Thompson Arboretum makes it out of the group chat.
The local band of white-nosed coati were spotted taking a water break outside our Smith Greenhouses.
See what wildlife the Arboretum has instore. Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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Have you seen Glass in Flight at @btarboretum yet?
@glassinflight is an immersive outdoor sculpture exhibit by renowned Tucson-based artist Alex Heveri. Featuring over 17 dazzling sculptures made of hand-cut, hand-faceted Dalle de Verre glass set in powder-coated steel, this exhibit captures the magic of nature’s tiniest pollinators—blown up to monumental scale.
Walk among monarchs, beetles, and hummingbirds that radiate color and light. Take a seat on a vibrant butterfly bench or pose under a towering monarch arch. Learn how these small-but-mighty creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem.
Exhibit Hours:
Now - January 2026
Open during regular hours daily.
Evening Hours
Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays
Now – January 2026, 5 PM – 8 PM
Last admission at 7pm. Not all trails are open for evening hours.
Glass in Flight is included with admission. Plan your visit at https://btarboretum.org/.
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Have you wondered what tree species are changing color at Boyce Thompson Arboretum?
Learn about the five species of trees at the Arboretum that transform with stunning color every fall.🍁
Plan your visit to see the fall color before it`s gone. Get tickets at the link in bio.
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Enjoy the beauty of fall color at Boyce Thompson Arboretum!
Get tickets at the link in bio.
#fall #fallcolor #btarboretum #boycethompsonarboretum #boycethompson #superiorarizona
Celebrate the season and get your holiday shopping done at Holiday Hangout!
This weekend and next, shop local vendors and find one-of-a-kind gifts at Boyce Thompson Arboretum`s Holiday Hangout marketplace. Vendors will be in our Picnic Area from 10 am - 3 pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Activities are free with admission. Food, beverages, and merchandise are available for purchase.
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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Meet the Broad-billed Hummingbird, a seasonal visitor of Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
This Friday, you can learn about the Broad-billed Hummingbird and our other local hummingbird species at Branching Out: Hummingbirds, Our Avian Jewels! Nature photographer, Cindy Marple, will discuss why Arizona is the “hummingbird capital” of the US. Learn about the expansive hummingbird family and how to identify the local species in the Valley.
Date: December 12, 2025
Time: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Tickets: Members: $12, Non-members: $15
Take a glimpse into the fantastic world of hummingbirds. Get tickets at the link in bio.
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This holiday season, celebrate the people who matter most by participating in Poinsettias with a Purpose.
From November 27-January 9, a striking 6-foot tree will stand in the heart of the Arboretum’s Historic Smith Greenhouse, adorned with poinsettias. Each plant will bear a tribute to a life remembered, a milestone celebrated, or a person whose presence continues to inspire.
With a donation of $150 to support the Arboretum`s mission, you can take part in this beautiful display. Each poinsettia includes a tag with your own personalized message.
Learn more and support at the link in bio.
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Peak fall color continues to decorate Boyce Thompson Arboretum.
Fall color is still going strong across the Canyon Region and Demonstration Garden. If you weren`t able to make it this weekend, make sure to stop by next weekend! This is the perfect time to take pictures and make the most out of Arizona`s fall and winter season.
Plan your visit at the link in bio.
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