Boyce Thompson Arboretum, east of Mesa along US 60 in Superior, was founded by Colonel William Boyce Thompson in 1924. During his time with the American Red Cross Thompson grew passionate about ...The drive out to Boyce Thompson on US 60 is quite scenic as it passes the Superstitions. However, the nearest town is Superior, which is now practically a ghost town. For lunch or refreshment, you would have to head back to Phoenix / Scottsdale or continue east on US 60 for another scenic drive to Globe/Miami.Bryce Thompson arboretum! Home to the world's tallest recorded Eucalyptus tree. It's absolutely beautiful and makes for a really nice day/morning trip...Apply to be an Education Host Volunteer for Boyce Thompson Arboretum! As an Education Host Volunteer, you will lead field trips for K-12 students and run a weekly Nature Play activity. Must be available to work October 2024 – April 2025. In exchange for 10-20 hours of work per week, you will receive FHU, free 24/7 laundry, complimentary ... The six-acre Cactus and Succulent Garden has its roots in the beginning of Boyce Thompson Arboretum itself—the first cactus and agaves were planted here in the early 1920’s. Over the years the collection has expanded, and now features around 1,500 plants from the southwestern United States, Mexico, and South America in its forty rock ... We require a certificate of insurance listing Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum as an additional insured up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $50,000 in Damage to Premises Rented. Any outside vendors used will be required to provide this coverage as well. Admission: $5.00 - $15.00. 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA. (520) 689-2723. View on Google Maps. Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers miles of trails in a gorgeously maintained and picturesque landscape. Set against the Picketpost Mountain, arid desert plants from around the world can be found …Easy • 4.6 (56) Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Photos (503) Directions. Print/PDF map. Length 1.4 miElevation gain 55 ftRoute type Out & back. Check out this 1.4-mile out-and-back trail near Superior, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 27 min to complete. This is a popular trail for walking, but you can still enjoy ... Boyce Thompson Arboretum was founded in 1924 by William Boyce Thompson, a mining magnate who understood the importance of plants as the ultimate source of our survival and well-being. That legacy continues today as the Arboretum offers tours, classes and events, bringing a wide community together in appreciation of the astounding diversity of ... Guest capacity. Up to 100 Seated. Up to 100 Standing. Ideal for. Wedding ceremony, Elopement. Guests often feel this space is. “ Relaxed ”. Included in this room: Reserved Garden ( 2 hours), Rehearsal (1 Hour), Chairs for attendees, Gift/Guest Book Table, Golf Cart Use for Photos (1 hour), Complimentary Guest Parking, Welcome sign at ...37615 E. Arboretum Way Superior, Arizona 85173 Call Us: (520) 689-2723 . Seasonal Hours: October thru April. Open Daily 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Last Admission One Hour Before Closing. Closed Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day . …Explore four easy hiking trails in Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a scenic park with native desert plants and exhibits from around the world. Learn about the park's history, hours, …Of BTA’s 3,897 plant species, 9.8% are of conservation concern, meaning that they are endangered or threatened with extinction. Discover Boyce Thompson Arboretum's collection of desert plants from around the world, including endangered species. As a botanical garden dedicated to conservation, we play a crucial role in preserving the …Apr 16, 2022 · Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research facility and “living museum”, the arboretum is located on U.S. Highway 60, 100 km east of Phoenix, near the town of Superior, Arizona. It is situated in the Sonoran Desert on 159 ha along Queen Creek ... Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior hosts more than 6,000 species of plants from all over the world. And while you can stop to smell the roses, you can also enjoy some breathtaking hikes.Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is located in beautiful and scenic Queen Creek Canyon, three miles west of Superior. Natural resource developer and philanthropist William Boyce Thompson established the Southwestern Arboretum in the mid-1920s. The inspiration to create an arid-region arboretum sprang from a lifetime of fervent interest in …Field Trips to Boyce Thompson Arboretum are fun, hands-on, immersive experiences. Student’s adventures on the trails are full of discovery and connection. Each field trip helps students increase their science inquiry skills and is tied to Arizona State Science Standards. For more information and to request a booking, please see below.Explore Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park RV Rentals. Pet-friendly. Festival-friendly. less than $150. "Ramon" 2022 Braxton Creek Free Solo Romo Teardrop Travel trailer • Sleeps 2 • 16 ft. San Tan Valley, AZ. $75 /night. 5 (9) 2023 Winnebago Solis Class B • Seats 4, Sleeps 4 • 21 ft.Have you included Boyce Thompson Arboretum in your will or other estate plans? Let us know! We want to stay in touch and ensure that we can report the impact of your generosity. If you would like to discuss your estate planning goals, please call Allison Lester at (520) 689-4588 or email [email protected] an Important Bird Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the adjacent Arnett and Queen Creeks are known for spectacular birding opportunities. Learn More. Visit Us: 37615 E. Arboretum Way Superior, Arizona 85173 Call Us: (520) 689-2723 ...Browse 614 professional boyce thompson arboretum stock photos, images & pictures available royalty-free. Download Boyce Thompson Arboretum stock photos. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community.Bryce Thompson Arboretum. Agave "American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), ... Agave felgeri - Boyce Thompson Arboretum 10-14-2017 IMG_1704.jpg (200.44 KiB) Viewed 3062 times. Agave felgeri - Boyce Thompson Arboretum 10-14-20174. Arizona State University has announced a new partnership with the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a collaboration that includes the new Bernard “Bill” Benson Research Award.The Benson Award will invest $300,000 over the next three years to further the research and education goals of the arboretum and Arizona State …Gardens & Arboreta. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research …Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is located in beautiful and scenic Queen Creek Canyon, three miles west of Superior. Natural resource developer and philanthropist William Boyce Thompson established the Southwestern Arboretum in the mid-1920s. The inspiration to create an arid-region arboretum sprang from a lifetime of fervent interest in …Boyce Thompson Arboretum, University of Arizona. Location: 33.280, -111.159. Seasons: All year. Open until 3 pm in summer, 5 pm during other seasons. Rating (1-5): ★★★★★. There are several important botanical collections in central Arizona including the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, but perhaps the best and most comprehensive is ... Have you included Boyce Thompson Arboretum in your will or other estate plans? Let us know! We want to stay in touch and ensure that we can report the impact of your generosity. If you would like to discuss your estate planning goals, please call Allison Lester at (520) 689-4588 or email [email protected]. Apply to be an Education Host Volunteer for Boyce Thompson Arboretum! As an Education Host Volunteer, you will lead field trips for K-12 students and run a weekly Nature Play activity. Must be available to work October 2024 – April 2025. In exchange for 10-20 hours of work per week, you will receive FHU, free 24/7 laundry, complimentary ...Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Located at 37615 U.S. 60, Superior, AZ 85273, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a one-hour drive from Central Phoenix and only 30 minutes from Mesa, Arizona on scenic Highway 60. It consists of a 323-acre botanical collection that includes a wide range of habitats and a 1.5-mile main loop walking trail. Pets are … Experience the lush beauty of the Arizona Upland Sonoran Desert at the state's oldest and largest botanical garden. With breathtaking views of Picketpost Mountain, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is located in Superior, Arizona, just an hour's drive from Downtown Chandler. The Arboretum features 343-acres of beautiful landscapes with over 3,900 different species of plants, hidden gardens along miles ... Posted on December 15, 2023 By BTA Blog. As winter settles over Boyce Thompson Arboretum a unique variety of birds graces the serene surroundings. The Arboretum, named the “most enchanting” Audubon Important Bird Area in Arizona, offers birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts a delightful spectacle.In this blog post, we’ll explore some of the … About the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. The Mission of Boyce Thompson Arboretum is to inspire appreciation and stewardship of desert plants, wildlife, and ecosystems through education, research, and conservation. Main Address: Boyce Thompson Arboretum 37615 E Arboretum Way Superior Arizona 85173 United States of America. Telephone: (520) 689-2723 Fax: Gardens & Arboreta. Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research …Boyce Thompson Arboretum: FREE ADMISSION DAY. 0 Free Indoors On the first Tuesday of every month from October through May, the Arboretum will offer free admission. Boyce Thompson Arboretum 37615 E. Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ, 85173 see on map. Finished 12/7/2022, 12:00:00 AM ...Boyce Thompson Arboretum was founded on April 1, 1924. The 326-acre site is home to around 4,000 plant species from desert regions of Mexico, the United States, Australia, South America and Africa.In 1924 Boyce Thompson set aside 400 acres for an arboretum. Over the years it has grown and developed into a milestone. Trails meander throughout the arbore...Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Immerse yourself in the year-round beauty of the desert at Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden, Boyce Thompson Arboretum. With 105 acres of gardens, five miles of trails, …Spring Plant Sale. March 16th, 8:00 am - March 31st, 5:00 pm. Welcome spring at Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s Plant Sale! Shop a curated selection of plants. Gain valuable insights for your ideal garden from our experts. The Spring Plant Sale will be open to the public from March 16th through March 31st. BTA Members: Enjoy 20% off & early access ...Make memories that will last a lifetime with a visit to Boyce Thompson Arboretum. From birdwatching to hiking, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this desert oasis. Plan …When: This event occurred in the past. April 14, 2019 8:30am April 28, 2019 8:30am April 28, 2019 8:30am May 12, 2019 8:30am May 26, 2019 8:30am June 09, 2019 8:30am. Guided bird walks at the UA's Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior are an ideal way to get into birding and to sharpen your skills – beginners are welcome. Of BTA’s 3,897 plant species, 9.8% are of conservation concern, meaning that they are endangered or threatened with extinction. Discover Boyce Thompson Arboretum's collection of desert plants from around the world, including endangered species. As a botanical garden dedicated to conservation, we play a crucial role in preserving the world's ... Boyce Thompson Arboretum was founded in 1924 by William Boyce Thompson, a mining magnate who understood the importance of plants as the ultimate source of our survival and well-being. That legacy continues today as the Arboretum offers tours, classes and events, bringing a wide community together in appreciation of the astounding diversity of its …3:30 PM - Walk in Bryce Thompson Arboretum. Just four miles beyond Superior, we will turn left into Bryce Thompson Arboretum, which is the largest arboretum in Arizona. We will park in the picnic area INSIDE the park, and then go on a short walk through the park, mostly just to stretch our legs.Tour – Trees of Boyce Thompson Arboretum When: December 17, 2017 1:30pm We invite those who love all things sylvan and want to learn more about trees to be here for a relaxed, slow-paced afternoon tour featuring arboretum staffers Jeff Payne or Miguel Hernandez for a chance to learn about trees both native to the Sonoran Desert and exotic, with a …A $25 Tail-Wagger membership includes a BTA-branded bandanna and personalized membership card and supports the care and maintenance of Arboretum trails and dog relief stations. *Members save 20% ...Bryce Thompson Arboretum. Agave "American aloe plant," 1797, from Greek Agaue, proper name in mythology (mother of Pentheus), ... Agave felgeri - Boyce Thompson Arboretum 10-14-2017 IMG_1704.jpg (200.44 KiB) Viewed 3062 times. Agave felgeri - Boyce Thompson Arboretum 10-14-2017The Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum (taking Thompson’s middle name to avoid confusion with other William Thompsons of the time) opened to the public on April 6, 1929. From 1933 to 1935, a crew of twenty men provided by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Pinal Mountain Camp F-16, landscaped the arboretum for …SUPERIOR, Ariz., March 4, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Boyce Thompson Arboretum, (BTA) a nationally-recognized desert botanical garden dedicated to the collection, preservation and display of desert ...Select volumes from 1979 – 2022 are available for purchase at the Boyce Thompson Arboretum gift shop! Discover Desert Plants, a botanical journal dedicated to showcasing indigenous and adapted arid land plants. Our biannual digital publication is perfect for both amateur and professional enthusiasts, covering topics such as desert ...When: March 23, 2019 8:00am. Join us at the UA's Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior as the buzzards return to the arboretum. The spring equinox is celebrated by many cultures throughout the world, and in Arizona, it marks the return of turkey vultures, or buzzards, to the arboretum. These fascinating scavengers spend the spring and summer ... Facebook is a social media platform that connects you with friends, family and communities. Join Facebook to share photos, videos, messages and more. Explore four easy hiking trails in Boyce Thompson Arboretum, a scenic park with native desert plants and exhibits from around the world. Learn about the park's history, hours, …In 1927, William Boyce Thompson established this arboretum near Superior (11/2 hours north of Tucson) to preserve desert plants and experiment with their potential as usable … As an Important Bird Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the adjacent Arnett and Queen Creeks are known for spectacular birding opportunities. Learn More. Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers a diverse range of classes and programs, from birding and botany to art and wellness. Find your passion and enrich your knowledge of the desert landscape. The Australian Deserts Exhibit is a 10-acre homage to the unique biodiversity and culture of Australia’s arid and semi-arid regions. Australia is the driest continent (second only to Antarctica), with its interior region, more commonly known as the Outback, receiving less than 150 millimeters of rainfall per year. Facebook is a social media platform that connects you with friends, family and communities. Join Facebook to share photos, videos, messages and more. Boyce Thompson Arboretum Tuck ed away along US 60 just west of Superior lies the Boyce Thompson Arboretum – the largest and oldest botanical garden in Arizona. Founded by Col. William Boyce Thompson in 1924 as a research facility for desert plants, the Arboretum spans nearly 400 acres in an area along Queen Creek and …According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wheelchair-friendly trail in Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Boyce Thompson Arboretum Main Trail , which has a 4.7 star rating from 782 reviews. This trail is 1.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 131 ft. What is the longest wheelchair-friendly trail in Boyce Thompson Arboretum?Dec 27, 2017 · It has restaurants, shops and gas stations and is a fun day trip as well. When: Summer hours are 6 a.m.-3 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays. From October through April, hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. daily ... Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a world-class botanical garden located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona. Three miles of garden paths … Boyce Thompson Arboretum (BTA) was founded in 1924, and is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. BTA is located in scenic Queen Creek Canyon, just 50 minutes from Phoenix, Arizona in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains close to Superior, AZ. Featuring plant collections from the world’s deserts, historic buildings and hidden ... Boyce Thompson Arboretum: FOREST BATHING Forest Bathing, also known as Shinrin-yoku, is the practice of spending time in nature for the purpose of enhancing health, wellness, and happiness. A series of guided “invitations” brings us into the present moment as we begin to feel a heightened awareness of our surroundings.It's a special time at Boyce Thompson Arboretum as they mark 100 years of cultivating their beautiful botanical gardens. See what they have planned for their centennial celebrations below.Founder, Colonel William Boyce Thompson realized nearly one hundred years ago what we still believe today: All life depends on plants.In advance …Boyce Thompson Arboretum Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona. Five miles of garden paths and trails wind through 343 acres of plant exhibits and striking landscapes. Over 2,600 different types of plants from the deserts of Australia, North and …Boyce Thompson Arboretum recently opened the 13-acre Wallace Desert Garden, culminating five years of work to remove and replant 5,000 desert plants from a private collection in Scottsdale. The new 13-acre Wallace Desert Garden lies within Boyce Thompson’s natural desert setting with spectacular views of Picketpost Mountain and the …The College of Agriculture, Life & Environmental Sciences prepares students for success in a variety of professions, from fashion design and wealth management to agribusiness and environmental science. Pair that with front-line research opportunities and real-world experience and you get an immersive education that readies tomorrow’s … 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. Visiting Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a great way to introduce yourself to the Sonoran Desert. Yes, they have plants from all around the world. But they also …INTRODUÇÃO. Nos assentamentos de Reforma Agrária, a infraestrutura e os recursos naturais disponíveis devem ser utilizados de maneira otimizada, por meio de sistemas … Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s newest garden, the Wallace Desert Garden, offers expansive views, creekside trails, and hundreds of plants brand-new to BTA! Learn More. Located just outside Phoenix, Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a peaceful oasis in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Explore the gardens, admire the stunning views, and immerse yourself ... Just 50 miles east of downtown Phoenix, Arizona, on Highways 60 is one of the most original botanical gardens: Boyce Thompson Arboretum.Established in 1924 a...Dec 6, 2023 · Written by Garden Travel Guide in Visit Gardens United States Last Updated 12/06/2023. Superior, Arizona: The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Located 60 miles east of Phoenix, the Arboretum is a haven for plant lovers, photographers, birders, and nature lovers. Nestled in the Queen Creek Canyon at ... As an Important Bird Area, Boyce Thompson Arboretum and the adjacent Arnett and Queen Creeks are known for spectacular birding opportunities. Learn More. Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers a diverse range of classes and programs, from birding and botany to art and wellness. Find your passion and enrich your knowledge of the desert landscape. 0:03. 0:51. This year commemorates the centennial of the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, the oldest and largest botanical garden in Arizona, located near Superior. Various events are planned throughout ...The Boyce Thompson Arboretum is two miles west of Superior, Arizona on US-60, and roughly 60 miles from downtown Phoenix (using I-10, then US-60). It is about 100 miles from Tucson. Follow AZ-77 to Oracle, then AZ-79 (the scenic Pinal Pioneer Parkway) to US-60 at Florence Junction. Arboretum. Map. Enjoy 4.7 miles of trails throughout the Arboretum, in gardens representing 11 different regions of the world. BTA’s trails provide many opportunities to stop and take beautiful landscape, fauna and flora photos. Download the Map. The Main trail is easy and most of it is wheelchair accessible. BTA Staff & Board of Directors. Boyce Thompson Arboretum employs a professional staff and, as a private nonprofit institution, is governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. …Boyce Thompson Arboretum is a world-class botanical garden located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona. Three miles of garden paths …Easy • 4.7 (782) Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Photos (1,151) Directions. Print/PDF map. Length 1.5 miElevation gain 131 ftRoute type Loop. Discover this 1.5-mile loop trail near Superior, Arizona. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 34 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding, hiking, and running, so you'll ...Spring Plant Sale. March 16th, 8:00 am - March 31st, 5:00 pm. Welcome spring at Boyce Thompson Arboretum’s Plant Sale! Shop a curated selection of plants. Gain valuable insights for your ideal garden from our experts. The Spring Plant Sale will be open to the public from March 16th through March 31st. BTA Members: Enjoy 20% off & early access ...Boyce Thompson Arboretum Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona. Five miles of garden paths and trails wind through 343 acres of plant exhibits and striking landscapes. Over 2,600 different types of plants from the deserts of Australia, North and South ...In 1927, William Boyce Thompson established this arboretum near Superior (11/2 hours north of Tucson) to preserve desert plants and experiment with their potential as usable …0:05. 0:58. SUPERIOR — There’s a plant at Boyce Thompson Arboretum that has survived the tumults of life on earth for 280 million years. It’s an unfathomable amount of time and has led ...
Admission: $5.00 - $15.00. 37615 E Arboretum Way, Superior, AZ 85173, USA. (520) 689-2723. View on Google Maps. Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Boyce Thompson Arboretum offers miles of trails in a gorgeously maintained and picturesque landscape. Set against the Picketpost Mountain, arid desert plants from around the world can be found …. Bracha jewelry
When: March 23, 2019 8:00am. Join us at the UA's Boyce Thompson Arboretum in Superior as the buzzards return to the arboretum. The spring equinox is celebrated by many cultures throughout the world, and in Arizona, it marks the return of turkey vultures, or buzzards, to the arboretum. These fascinating scavengers spend the spring and summer ... We require a certificate of insurance listing Boyce Thompson Southwestern Arboretum as an additional insured up to $1,000,000 in liability coverage and $50,000 in Damage to Premises Rented. Any outside vendors used will be required to provide this coverage as well. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best wheelchair-friendly trail in Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Boyce Thompson Arboretum Main Trail , which has a 4.7 star rating from 782 reviews. This trail is 1.5 mi long with an elevation gain of 131 ft. What is the longest wheelchair-friendly trail in Boyce Thompson Arboretum?Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Immerse yourself in the year-round beauty of the desert at Arizona’s largest and oldest botanical garden, Boyce Thompson Arboretum. With 105 acres of gardens, five miles of trails, …Boyce Thompson Arboretum was founded in 1924 by William Boyce Thompson, a mining magnate who understood the importance of plants as the ultimate source of our survival and well-being. That legacy continues today as the Arboretum offers tours, classes and events, bringing a wide community together in appreciation of the astounding diversity of its …Apr 16, 2022 · Boyce Thompson Arboretum is the oldest and largest botanical garden in the state of Arizona. Founded in 1924 as a desert plant research facility and “living museum”, the arboretum is located on U.S. Highway 60, 100 km east of Phoenix, near the town of Superior, Arizona. It is situated in the Sonoran Desert on 159 ha along Queen Creek ... In 1927, William Boyce Thompson established this arboretum near Superior (11/2 hours north of Tucson) to preserve desert plants and experiment with their potential as usable resources. The arboretum hosts several events and tours throughout the year, including guided birding walks. Phone 520-689-2811 or visit their website. When: This event occurred in the past. April 14, 2019 8:30am April 28, 2019 8:30am April 28, 2019 8:30am May 12, 2019 8:30am May 26, 2019 8:30am June 09, 2019 8:30am. Guided bird walks at the UA's Boyce Thompson Arboretum near Superior are an ideal way to get into birding and to sharpen your skills – beginners are welcome.0:05. 0:58. SUPERIOR — There’s a plant at Boyce Thompson Arboretum that has survived the tumults of life on earth for 280 million years. It’s an unfathomable amount of time and has led ...Having been a resident of AZ for over 30 years, Boyce Thompson is still my "go-to" place for relaxation, meditation, and education. Whether it's the seasonal plant sale, guided nature hikes with outstanding instructors, photo classes, culinary workshops, or night-time black light searches, BTA is at the top of my list. Boyce Thompson Arboretum Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden is located in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, just one hour east of Phoenix, Arizona. Five miles of garden paths and trails wind through 343 acres of plant exhibits and striking landscapes. Over 2,600 different types of plants from the deserts of Australia, North and South ... Today, it’s a lush garden of the bizarre. But 18 million years ago, a rain of golf-ball-sized blobs of lava likely obliterated most of the life where the Boyce ThompsonAn hour east of Phoenix, or just 90 minutes north of Tucson, is the Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Arizona's oldest and largest botanical garden. No matter which city you might be visiting, this desert oasis is one of the best day-trips you can take. (My wife and I made a day of it from Tucson, first visiting the pre-Columbian ruins at Casa Grande Nat'l … Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. A celebration of the adaptability and variety of plant life, this much-loved arboretum contains thousands of arid-country trees and plants from around the world. Nearly 400 acres big, with a 1.5-mile trail, it's centered on Queen Creek, and attracts migratory birds, plus more permanent populations of mammals ... .