If Best Tucson Gardens is what you’re looking for, then Tucson Trolley Tours has your back!
Tucson Botanical Gardens
www.tucsonbotanical.org
2150 North Alvernon Way
520-326-9686
The Tucson Botanical Gardens is a 5.5 acres collection of sixteen urban gardens. Beautiful walk paths connect each of the gardens, such as the Zen Garden, Barrio Garden and Children’s garden. The plants range from tropical to desert. There are thousands of succulents and cactus. The garden is inspirational. It’s a place that touches your heart. Nestled in the center of the garden is the Butterfly exhibit. Hundreds of exotic butterflies swooshing past your head. Their breathtaking colors illuminate the air. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for an ultra-soft T-shirt. Become a member and you can visit any time.
Yumi Japanese Gardens of Tucson
www.yumegardens.org
(Closed for the summer)
2130 North Alvernon Way
520-272-3200
If you are seeking an intimate concept of Japanese gardens, then you need to head over to the Yumi Japanese Gardens. Yumi Japanese Gardens is located close to the Botanical Gardens. It is a totally different experience. It is made up of five different traditional themes. The tranquil, strolling pond garden is my favorite, transporting me through over 1,000 years of Japanese garden trends. Trust me, you’ll enjoy every second here.
Tohono Chul Garden
www.tohonochul.org
7366 Paseo de Norte
520-742-6455
Tohono Chul is one of Tucson’s “Best Kept Secrets”. Take a stroll among the 49 acres of lush desert. Soak up the beauty of the soaring Saguaros and themed botanical gardens. You’ll likely be greeted by a friendly, inquisitive hummingbird, buzzing past your head! In addition to the breathtaking gardens, you will be awed by the beautiful collections of art, created by local artists.
Garden of Gethsemane (Felix Lucero Park)
www.roadsideamerica.com
602 W Congess Street
520-791-4873
Felix Lucero was a war veteran who fell on hard times. He “made a deal with the Virgin Mary” as he lay dying on the battlefield. If she allowed him to live, he would dedicate his life creating Christian art. In the late 1930’s he was living under the Congress Street Bridge. He began sculping Christian statues out of any materials he could scrounge up. The statues have also seen some hard times, through wear and tear and even vandalism. Thanks to the residents of Tucson, much of his work has been restored. It has become a popular spot for intimate weddings, so make sure to bring some rice!
Reid Park Rose Garden
www.tucsonparks.org
22nd Street and Country Club Road
If you are seeking a beautiful, tranquil and aromatic setting to sit and relax, perhaps read a book, then head over to the Reid Park Rose Garden. You’ll find over 800 plants from more than 100 species of roses. The Garden is maintained and cherished by local volunteers from The Friends of the Reid Park Rose Garden. Through their efforts, the Garden received the Pacific Southwest District Garden of the Year Award in 2012.
Mission Garden
www.tucsonsbirthplace.org
946 W Mission Lane
520-955-5200
For a different type of garden tour, visit the Mission Garden. It is a living agricultural museum of Sonoran Desert-adapted heritage fruit-trees, heirloom crops and edible native plants. You will leave with greater insight on the influence of Mexican, Chinese, African, American Indian and Anglo cultures have had on the Tucson vegetation. Have a great time!
Mesquite Valley Growers
8005 E Speedway Blvd
520-721-8600
There are many nurserys in Tucson, but you really only need to go to Mesquite Valley Growers for all of your garden needs. You will find it all from plants, fruit trees and pots and decor. The staff is extremely knowledgeable, available and friendly. If you live in an HOA, they can help you pick out items that will meet the HOA regulations.
B & B Cactus Farm
www.bandbcactus.com
11550 E Speedway Blvd
520-721-4687
B&B Cactus Farm is so much more than cactus. It is your one stop shop for your garden needs and wants. They offer a huge selection of cactus and succulents, as well as many other desert plants, on two acres of land. You will also find garden tools, pottery, garden art, t-shirts and caps.
Avalon Organic Gardens and Ecovillage
www.avalongardens.org
Tumacacori, AZ
520-603-9932
This is a 220-acre micro-society that incorporates a modern lifestyle within the sustainable contest of a land-based society. The EcoVillage pursues self-sufficiency by providing meaningful vocational work, ongoing education, spiritual exploration and dynamic cultural experiences. Over 115 dedicated people practice farming using traditional and time-honored techniques of organic gardening. It is also a Certified Bee Friendly Garden, managed to provide a habitat for pollinators. Bees play an extremely important role in pollinating food crops, as well as produce honey. Nature’s sugar.