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
Last time there, except lunch at the tea house, was in ’99. I must go again. Thanks for the photos of so much new and what I remember, but that was not as grown-in back then. I especially like the yellow color in the desert living courtyard, seenbehind the ocotillo and saguaro ribs in front.
Hi David,
I didn’t have time for one of the hikes. Feeling like I must return to explore further, myself.
There’s a lot to take in on one visit, for sure!
That orange wall is fabulous, and a very interesting water feature too! I love the use of tile through the garden too, for that special pop of color.
CVF,
Garden design can be so creative, it’s just a question of narrowing all the choices!
I’d love to visit and learn at the ethnobotanical garden. And I double love that fountain wall with all the pots!
Hey Ms. Culturetripper,
I agree on both counts;-)