Press Kit | Fall 2026
The Garden Discover the tranquil vibrancy of 50,000 desert plants nestled amid the red rocks of the Papago Buttes at Desert Botanical Garden. Visitors can stroll through five thematic trails to explore plants, including towering cactus, alluring succulents and brilliant desert wildflowers. Delve deeper to experience world-class art exhibitions, festive events and so much more.
By the Numbers (as of 2025)
650K+
28K+
TOTAL ATTENDANCE
820
MEMBERS AND DONORS
520
RARE, THREATENED & ENDANGERED TAXA
NEW ACCESSIONS ADDED
100,000
550
TOTAL HERBARIUM SAMPLES
VOLUNTEERS
History In the 1930s, a small group of passionate local citizens saw the need to conserve the beautiful desert environment. One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Stark, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign that said “Save the desert,” with an arrow pointing to his home. More than eight decades later, thanks to leadership and investments from many individuals, Desert Botanical Garden has blossomed from a dream into a living museum unlike any other. See how the Garden has grown during its history into a compelling attraction and desert conservation pioneer.
1939 The Garden opens its doors to the public.
1988 Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail opens.
1947 Gertrude Webster dies leaving her estate to support the Garden.
2002 The Garden completes a $17 million expansion.
2018 Electric Desert | A Light and Sound Experience by Klip Collective sees nearly 200K visitors.
2023 Fernando Botero: El Maestro exhibit opens.
1957 The Garden’s collection increases from 1,000 to more than 18,000 specimens.
2008 Ottosen Entry Garden opens.
2019 Desert Botanical Garden celebrates its 80th Anniversary
2024 The Garden celebrates its 85th Anniversary.
1970 The new library is built to house a valuable donation of rare books and prints.
2008 Dale Chihuly’s exhibition draws more than 500K people to the Garden.
2020 Wild Rising by Cracking Art invades the Garden
2025 Ahearn Portal opens, featuring native Arizona elements, soothing water features and more 600 plant specimens.
1977 The Docent Program is established.
2009 Joy and Howard Berlin Agave Yucca Forrest opens.
1983 The American Association of Museums accredits the Garden.
2013 The Garden celebrates its 75th Anniversary.
1985 The Garden becomes a charter member of the Center for Plant Conservation.
2015 The Garden hosts its first nighttime only exhibition by Bruce Munro.
2017 New Butterfly Exhibit and Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science open.
2021 Natasha Lisitsa and Daniel Schultz of Waterlily Pond Studio debut Wind, Water and Earth at the Garden.
2022 Chihuly in the Desert receives the Governor Office of Tourism Award for Best Tourism Partnership with Taliesin West
2023 Break ground on Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science phase 2 and new Christensen Family Desert Oasis.
2025 The RAF Exhibit Gallery: a unique space for plant-focused exhibitions and events.
2025 The Dr. William Huizingh Executive Director Ken Schutz retires after 24 years at the Garden
2026 Chris Kline, President & CEO starts
Trails Desert Botanical Garden provides a world-class experience for every visitor. Through permanent trailside exhibits, temporary art installations and seasonal experiences, the Garden ignites discovery about the desert and the plants that have adapted to this fascinating ecosystem.
DESERT DISCOVERY TRAIL
Explore the Garden’s main trail and discover the many ways desert plants from around the world have adapted to the environment. Featuring a diverse array of cactus and succulents as well as historic plant collections, this core trail takes you on a journey to celebrate the beauty of the desert.
Harriet K. Maxwell DESERT WILDFLOWER TRAIL
Stroll along this meandering trail where you’ll encounter brightly colored blooms as well as the pollinators they attract, like bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Find out how flowers, insects and birds play an essential role in thriving desert ecosystems.
CENTER FOR DESERT LIVING TRAIL
Fragrant herbs, vegetable beds and shady spots to relax make this trail a delight for the senses. Come see what’s growing this season and discover tips for creating a lush, water-wise home garden.
SONORAN DESERT NATURE TRAIL
Take our nature trail to learn how plants and animals survive in the desert with so little water. Watch for wildlife on your way to the top and take in mountain vistas that will change your point of view.
PLANTS AND PEOPLE OF THE SONORAN DESERT TRAIL
Wander through five diverse desert habitats and discover the variety of ways indigenous people have used native plants for food, fiber and shelter.
Experiences
The Garden is
BLOOMING BIG
October 9 - May 31
Super Bloom by Graphic Rewilding invites visitors to get outdoors and connect with nature in a big way. Step inside glass houses radiating color and light, sit among flower clouds surrounded by blooms and find your center in a magical, night-blooming garden. This playful and engaging exhibition provides an artistic view of the Garden’s trails and plant collections, promotes wellness through nature and inspires visitors of all ages to explore the beauty and colors of desert plants with abandon.
Graphic Rewilding
Graphic Rewilding
Experiences Continued
The largest-ever solo exhibition by artists Lee Baker and Catherine Borowski takes an up-close look at the wonders of the Sonoran Desert in a vibrantly illustrated celebration of desert flowers and pollinators. Explore a world of giant flowers, colorful petals and joyful, largerthan-life art created by Graphic Rewilding.
Graphic Rewilding, founded by creative duo Catherine Borowski and Lee Baker are on a mission to transform public spaces with their vast, nature inspired, immersive art. Drawing inspiration from sources as diverse as Japanese Ink painting, Dutch still-life, and contemporary visionaries like Christo and JeanneClaude, Yayoi Kusama as well glass artists like Brian Clarke and John Piper, they craft graphically powerful compositions brimming with energy and lightness.
Graham Fudger
With more than 21 larger-thanlife installations across the Garden, Super Bloom creates an immersive journey for visitors that can be experienced both day and night.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Experiences Continued
Get back outside with
FALL EXPERIENCES Everyday Experiences
Fall Butterflies
Garden After Dark
Fall Decor
Oct. 1 – Nov. 15
Sept. 26 – Nov. 15
Oct. 1 – Nov. 15
Your Week
Mondays
Tuesdays
Wednesdays
Thursdays
Fridays
Uncorked Mondays: Sips, Strolls & Sounds
Tacos & Tequila in the Garden
Dog Nights in the Garden
Sunset Socials: Create, Play & Dance
Music in the Garden: Trailside Tunes Music in the Garden: Concert Series
Educational Experiences
Saturdays Dog Days in the Garden Music in the Garden: Trailside Tunes
Music in the Garden Trailside Tunes
Live music every Friday & Saturday. Three locations throughout the Garden. Wander, discover, stay awhile all at your leisure.
Concert Series
Desert Views: A Conversation Series
Oct. 28
Infinite Sums: Math in Bloom Presents Fibonacci Day Nov. 23
Select Fridays. Limited capacity. Reserved seating. Curated performers. Desert setting. This is the Premium/VIP ticketed experience.
Experiences Continued Weekend Festivals
Spirit Walk (21+) Oct. 22
Strange Garden Family Weekend Oct. 23-24
Howl-ween Oct. 31
Great Fall Kickoff
Strange Garden
Día de Muertos
Chiles & Chocolate
Oct. 9-18
Nov. 6-9
Oct. 22-31
Nov. 13-15
50th Anniversary Plant Sale | Oct. 22-26 50 Years. 5 Days. One Extraordinary Plant Sale. Timed for Arizona’s fall planting season, this will be the Garden’s one and only Plant Sale of the year—and the best opportunity to refresh your landscape with desert-adapted plants selected for lasting success.
Members Day Oct. 22 7–10 a.m. | NEW! Member VIP Shopping Experience | $29.95 Your VIP Ticket Includes: • First access to the Plant Sale from 7–10 a.m. • Entry to the exclusive Plant Sale Lounge with complimentary refreshments. • Live demonstrations from Garden horticulture experts. • Access to the Horticulture Design & Plant Care Hub. • A limited-edition 50th anniversary bandana and sticker.
10 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Members Day | Free for Members No reservations required.
Learn more at dbg.org
Experiences Continued
Discover
FALL LEARNING Cooler days and golden desert evenings create the perfect setting to discover something new. Whether you’re interested in photography, gardening, culinary arts, wellness or creative expression, this season’s Adult Education lineup offers inspiring ways to deepen your connection to the Sonoran Desert and to one another.
Choose Your Fall Adventure: For Photographers
For Wellness Seekers
Capturing Autumn in Arizona (DSLR or Smartphone) Oct. 1
Prepare to capture fall colors in Arizona. We will cover top locations, timing, suggestions for camera settings both auto and manual to produce more powerful images.
Sunset Sound Meditation Oct. 6, 20, 27 | Nov. 3, 17, 24
Ease into your morning with a restorative sound meditation. Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation, meditation and renewed well-being.
Sunrise Sanctuary: Yoga Flow in the Super Bloom Exhibit Space Oct. 16, 23, 30 | Nov. 6, 13, 20, 27
Begin your morning surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Super Bloom, where dreamy night-blooming flowers create a serene, immersive setting.
For Plant Lovers Butterfly Gardening in the Desert Nov. 4
In this engaging class, learn how to design a desert landscape that attracts and supports butterflies year-round.
Check out your Learn Catalogue or visit dbg.org/learn for all your fall class options.
Experiences Continued
The Best Fall Family Adventures at the Garden Crisp mornings, colorful desert blooms and plenty of room to roam, fall is one of the best times for families to explore the Garden. Here are four adventures your family won’t want to miss this season:
Cactus Clubhouse
Storytime
Climb, build, create and imagine at the Garden’s nature play space. From hands-on activities to openended exploration, it’s a favorite stop for curious kids.
Spark your child’s love for nature with engaging stories, songs and hands-on activities. Designed for children five and under and their caregivers.
Oct. 10 – Dec. 3
Oct. 16, 17 | Nov. 20, 21
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater Nov. 11
Enjoy the show Jack Rabbit and the Desert Tortoise, a humorous version of Aesop’s “Tortoise and the Hare” fable.
Become A Desert Guardian Pick up a copy of the Garden’s own superhero story, and complete an exciting desert mission with your family. Plus, keep an eye out for at home missions this fall.
Experiences Continued
Savor the
FLAVORS OF FALL A New Season of Garden dining options by Tarbell’s As the desert comes alive with fall, so does Gertrude’s. The new fall menu celebrates the flavors of the Southwest with fresh, seasonal ingredients, comforting favorites and creative new dishes inspired by Arizona’s harvest.
Welcome Quail House Coffee & Creamery The Garden will welcome a new food and beverage destination this fall with the opening of Quail House Coffee & Creamery! In partnership with Mark Tarbell, Quail House will feature coffee, tea, gelato and grab-and-go bites in a stunning setting.
Introducing Garden Grab & Go Need a quick bite? Patio Café has been reimagined as Garden Grab & Go, making it easier than ever to enjoy fresh, convenient meals while spending the day in the Garden. Choose from fresh salads, sandwiches and crunchy tacos, all designed for guests who want a delicious meal without missing a moment of the Garden experience.
Mark Tarbell serves as Executive Chef for all Garden dining establishments.
Research & Conservation The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) identified cactus as one of the most threatened groups of living organisms, but the Garden is working to protect and conserve these treasured desert plants and many others. The Garden’s researchers often collaborate internationally, as well as with federal and state agencies, including the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Parks Service, to protect Arizona flora and habitat.
520 Rare and
28 Scientists
4,847 Taxa (includes
Endangered Plants
Doing Work in 9 Countries and 4 Continents
plant and seed)
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION | AROUND THE WORLD ARIZONA STRIP
GRAND CANYON NATIONAL PARK
KAIBAB NATIONAL FOREST
COCONINO NATIONAL FOREST WALNUT CREEK VERDE VALLEY WET BEAVER CREEK PRESCOTT NATIONAL FOREST
AGUA FRIA NATIONAL MONUMENT
BRADSHAW MOUNTAINS
MOGOLLON RIM TONTO NATIONAL FOREST TONOTO BASIN PUNKIN CENTER
HIEROGLYPHIC MOUNTAINS
NEVADA
Boulder City Mojave Desert, Clark County Ash Meadows Wildlife Refuge
CAVE CREEK
SUPERSTITION WILDERNESS
UTAH
Beaver Dam Mountains Dixie National Forest Kanab/St. George La Sal Mountains Moab
KOFA NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN, PHOENIX
YUMA MITRE LAKE
NEW MEXICO
Franklin Mountains Florida Mountains Lybrook Badlands
CALIFORNIA
SANTA CATALINA MOUNTAINS
IRONWOOD FOREST NATIONAL MONUMENT
TUMAMOC HILL
CASCABEL LAS CIENEGAS NATIONAL CONSERVATION AREA
SAGUARO NATIONAL PARK COYOTE MOUNTAINS CHIRICAHUA ORGAN PIPE NATIONAL WILCOX MOUNTAINS MONUMENT CORONADO NATIONAL FOREST BABOCOMARI RIVER
TEXAS
White Mountains Inyo National Forest Sierra Nevada Mountains Mojave National Preserve Santa Clara River, Ventura County Death Valley
SUPERIOR, AZ MUNICIPAL AND COUNTY DESERT PARKS AND PRESERVES - PHOENIX METRO REGION
Davis Mountain State Park Black Gap Wilderness Area
ATASCOSA MOUNTAINS
CUBA PUERTO RICO
CANELO SAN RAFAEL VALLEY RAMSEY CANYON PRESERVE
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC ARIZONA
From the Grand Canyon to the Southern Border
ESTADO DE MEXICO
PUERTO PEÑASCO SONORA
PERU
MEXICO
PUNTA CHUECA
SINALOA DE LEYVA DURANGO
AUSTRALIA SAN LUIS POTOSI
NAYARIT YUCATAN
JALISCO COLIMA PUEBLA TEHUACÁN VALLEY
Gnangara and Pilbara Regions
CHILE
Coquimbo Region Atacama Region
ARGENTINA OAXACA
Mendoza Region
NAMIBIA Namib Desert
SOUTH AFRICA Succulent Karoo Cape Town
Garden scientists are fulfilling our mission through projects in arid regions around the world.
Mission: Bring people together to protect and celebrate the unique wonders of the desert.
Contact: 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008 480.941.1225 | dbg.org Open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. #desertbotanicalgarden | @dbgphx
Media Contact: Dana Terrazas Senior Director of Marketing Communications 602.295.5177 dterrazas@dbg.org
Stay up to date with the latest Garden news at dbg.org