at the Garden
The RAF Exhibit Gallery Inaugural Exhibition
Presenting Sponsors
Barton Faber & Elizabeth Byrnes
Find Yourself in a World of Orchids
March 15 - May 11
To celebrate the opening of The RAF Exhibit Gallery, the Garden presents its first-ever orchid exhibit, showcasing colorful blooms, delightful scents and wild textures that engage all the senses. Stroll through the gallery to explore rare and elegant plants artfully paired with cactus and succulents in a bold display completely unique to the Sonoran Desert.
Be enthralled by striking swathes of orchids in brilliant pinks, oranges, yellows and purples set in a lush desert oasis. Visitors of all ages will learn about Arizona’s endangered and rare orchids and the efforts Garden researchers are taking to preserve them. This lush collection is sure to leave visitors inspired and renewed.
EXPLORE THE MOST VIBRANT
Spring Blooms
DESERT DISCOVERY TRAIL
OTTOSEN ENTRY GARDEN
DESERT WILDFLOWER TRAIL
HARRIET K. MAXWELL
Argentine Giant Echinopsis candicans
Prickly Pear Opuntia humifusa
Parry’s Penstemon Penstemon parryi
Download our new Desert Botanical Garden App to stay in the loop with what's blooming at the Garden! Now available for iOS and Android.
CENTER FOR DESERT LIVING TRAIL
CHRISTENSEN FAMILY DESERT OASIS
Grey Shed Studio
PLANTS & PEOPLE OF THE SONORAN DESERT TRAIL
Orange Jubilee Tecoma x ‘Orange Jubilee’
Damianita Chrysactinia mexicana
Saguaro Carnegiea gigantea
Spring into the Garden's
MANY EXPERIENCES
This spring, the Garden welcomes you to a season filled with new events, spaces and unforgettable experiences! Enjoy the return of fan-favorites like the enchanting Spring Butterfly Exhibit, the Spring Plant Sale and the captivating Music in the Garden series. Or join us for our new experiences this Spring season.
NEW THIS SPRING
TOWARD 2050
Feb. 8 – June 1
VINES AND
Feb. 15 & 16
GARDEN FAVORITES
DOG DAYS AT THE GARDEN
Select Saturdays | Now – May 10
SPRING BUTTERFLIES
March 1 – May 11
RETURN ENGAGEMENTS
Feb. 13; March 13; April 10
MUSIC IN THE GARDEN
Select Fridays | Now – May 30
SPRING PLANT SALE
March 13–16
March 21
Classroom
Classes On Sale Now!
Take learning into your own hands and enjoy specialized one-time classes located at Desert Botanical Garden. Get inspired and learn new skills through one of our programs in gardening and landscape, photography, nature and ecology, art, cooking and wellness.
Members: $14.95 | Non-Members: $29.95 2 3 4
DESERT LANDSCAPE SCHOOL
Your Ultimate Desert Gardening & Landscape Opportunity!
Online and In-person courses available!
Dig in and become an expert! From seasoned pros to new enthusiasts, we have something for everyone. Learn in-person or at your own pace online. Our expertly crafted curriculum is a blend of innovative techniques and practical knowledge.
STORYTIME
Select Dates | Now – May 18
Included with general admission and membership.
Join the Garden for Storytime. Introduce your child, five and younger, to the beauty and wonder of nature through engaging books, songs, activities and play. Designed for children and caretakers, each session leads children through an immersive experience of nature learning in the Garden.
READ BETWEEN THE SPINES
April 12 | 10-11:30 a.m.
In conjunction with the Garden's first-ever orchid exhibit, "Orchid Fever", join us for a talk by Erica Hannickel, author of "Orchid Muse", exploring the role of orchids in inspiring freedom. This program focuses on several chapters of Hannickel’s book "Orchid Muse, A History of Obsession in Fifteen Flowers".
Books are available for purchase in the Garden Shop. Members enjoy a 10% discount!
NEW SPACEScoming soon!
The Garden is Still Growing! Check out some exciting new spaces in the works for you to enjoy in the near future!
Science and art come together at The RAF Exhibit Gallery, located in the Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science. This new state-of-the-art 2,400 square foot space will connect visitors to plants like never before. Designed to accommodate horticulture and floriculture displays, The RAF Exhibit Gallery will house displays that inspire visitors to look closer, think critically and appreciate the adaptive beauty of desert plants.
A special thank you to The Fine Family for their generous support.
This portal is the orientation point to the Garden’s East Campus including the Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science, Dorrance Center, Pulliam and Marley buildings, it is the threshold to research, conservation, exhibition and education.
A special thank you to Bill & Susan Ahearn for their generous support.
The RAF Exhibit Gallery
Ahearn Portal
