LEARN
DESERT BOTANICAL GARDEN EDUCATIONAL EXPERIENCES
SEPTEMBER – NOVEMBER 2025
LIFELONG LEARNING STARTS
GARDENING & LANDSCAPE
Ready to get your hands dirty? Whether you’re a budding gardener or ready to grow, master gardening with Garden staff and local experts who have a heart for plants and the Sonoran Desert.
Desert Vegetable Gardening 101 | Lilian Kong
September 13, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn how to grow vegetables in the desert. This class covers choosing a location, container and bed options, soil, fertilizers, watering best practices, the Phoenix planting calendar, transplanting, common mistakes to avoid and more. Phoenix boasts a year-round growing season; get a vegetable garden started at home now.
Pollinator Gardening with Native Plants | Emily Heller
September 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Low desert gardens can do a world of good for bees and other pollinators. Learn about the native and other arid-adapted plants we can grow to offer food and habitat to creatures that are vital to our environment.
Southwest Landscape Design | Marie White
September 24; November 19, 5:30–8 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95 (Per class)
Learn how to create a naturalistic style Southwestern landscape using succulents, desert and desertadapted plants and trees, along with natural hardscape elements such as boulders, decorative rock mulch and rusty metal. Bring a photo or sketch of your yard for some quick ideas.
Plant for Success: Best Tips for Selecting, Planting and Maintenance | Noelle Johnson
September 27, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Fall is the best time to add new plants to the landscape, but timing isn’t all you need for success. Knowing which types of plants will thrive through our hot summers and understanding in what exposure they will do best is critical for their survival and looking their best. Learn best tips for plant success, from plant selection, best practices for planting and how to care for them afterward for a beautiful, resilient outdoor space.
Outdoor Living Rooms |
Marie White
October 1, 5:30–8 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Extend your living space into the great outdoors. Learn how to create “outdoor rooms” for personal relaxation retreats, multi-use spaces for entertaining and family-fun centers. Creative approaches will include desert-adapted plants and trees, structural elements and local case studies. Bring your wish list of outdoor activities to get additional ideas.
Plant Selection for Water Conservation | Rebecca Senior
October 4, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Fall is the best time to plant in the Valley. Explore plants available at the Fall Plant Sale that may be new to you, or that you may want to try again with a little help on the right place. Learn which plants to select for water conservation for the hot, dry future that last in the landscape and shine their beauty. The last part of the class will focus on design goals and advice for a fun new area or troublesome spot in your landscape.
Small Steps to Transform Outdoor Spaces for Wildlife | Danielle
Carlock
October 8, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn about all of the little things that you can do to make an outdoor landscape a joyful refuge for wildlife. Focusing on native plants, learn about small, inexpensive modifications to begin to transform your space. Danielle Carlock, founder of Maricopa Native Seed Library, guides participants through analyzing an existing space for bloom gaps, slowly adding native plants, reducing non-native grass, creating wildflower strips and more.
Growing a Skincare Garden | Melissa Kruse-Peeples
October 22, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $44.95
Many herbs and flowers can be used to make skincare products such as salves, bath teas, lotions and soaps. Learn the basics of growing herbs and flowers including how to select a location, planting information, harvesting and drying. We will highlight the growing conditions and healing properties of calendula, chamomile, lemon balm and lavender as well as other lesser known herbs and flowers. Learn how to make a calendula salve and take home seeds and recipes to create additional products with your garden.
Indoor Oasis: The Joy of Houseplants | Angelica Elliott
November 6, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Do you adore the aesthetic of houseplants but find it challenging to keep them thriving? Discover how to cultivate the best houseplants for your indoor garden. We cover essential topics such as lighting, watering and fertilizing these lovely plants, and even explore the simple process of propagation.
Desert Terrariums Workshop | Angie Watkins of One Million Entrepreneurs
November 9, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $44.95
Create a stunning, sculptural desert terrarium to enjoy for years. In this hands-on workshop, design a unique succulent display using a variety of plants and materials provided. Class cost includes a container, up to four plants, soil, horticultural charcoal or moss (if needed) and decorative soil cover.
Rainwater Harvesting | Gianna Rivera
November 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
In this beginner-friendly rainwater harvesting class, learn about the work of water harvesters from around the globe and the eight water harvesting principles to help guide you on your water harvesting journey. We will also cover the practical steps needed to build your own basin.
| Danielle Carlock
Maricopa Pollinator Pathway: How to Attract and Support Pollinators
November 12, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Learn about the pollinators of our region, along with the gardening practices, plantings and physical conditions needed in a landscape to support our pollinators. The focus of the Maricopa Pollinator pathway is to utilize native plants to support pollinators. We will go through the criteria to certify your habitat with the Maricopa Pollinator Pathway.
Pruning Trees, Shrubs and Woody Vines | Rebecca Senior
November 13, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
This class will answer the questions: When do I prune my trees? What do I prune, how do I prune and importantly, why do I prune? Leave with new skills and confidence in your pruning decisions. Taught by an ISA certified arborist and based on the International Society of Arboriculture best management practices and researchbased information from the University of Arizona. The final segment with cover selecting best pruning tools and keeping them clean and sharp.
Your Ultimate Desert Gardening & Landscape Opportunity
JOIN DESERT LANDSCAPE SCHOOL!
Dig in and become and expert! From season pros to new enthusiast, 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.
To sign up for gardening and landscaping classes or to see online options, visit dbg.org/learn/gardening-and-landscape
In-Person
Master Class: Plant Problems | Angelica Elliott
September 20, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $55 l General Public $55
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effectively managing plant issues. Identifying the exact cause and ruling out other possibilities are essential steps prior to implementing control strategies. While it may appear daunting, this Master Class is designed to simplify the plant diagnosis process for you. We will explore various plant challenges, including wilting, pests and diseases and nutrient deficiencies, while examining the underlying causes of these issues along with effective treatment approaches.
Desert Plant Palette | Angelica Elliott, Tracy Rhodes, Noemi Hernandez and Octavio Rivera
September 11 – November 20, 4:30–6:30 p.m.
Members: $240 l General Public: $300
Explore a variety of trees, shrubs, succulents and more that thrive in low-water, heat-tolerant gardens. Join our in-person program where Garden horticulture experts provide valuable insights on selected plants and offer tips for identifying and placing them correctly in your landscape. Every week, new plants will be showcased during expert-guided Garden walks, allowing you to explore a diverse range of plants suitable for your home garden or workplace. Desert Plant Palette program is designed for beginners in landscaping, homeowners, landscape professionals or anyone interested in mastering the skills needed for desert plants and their landscape use. All materials included.
Online Classes
Begin your learning journey with a Desert Landscape School online course. Discover practical strategies for desert care, covering essential topics such as pruning, watering, pest management and choosing the right plants for desert gardens. Visit dbg.org for more information.
FRAMERATE: DESERT PULSE
OCT. 11 – MAY 10
In October, Desert Botanical Garden will premiere a monumental new art exhibit that is years in the making. Desert Pulse, a creatively and technically ambitious series of artworks, will take visitors on a journey through a year in the life of the Sonoran Desert, in an immersive experience never done before at the Garden. Utilizing state-of-the art technology and highresolution, immersive exhibit displays, Desert Pulse reveals the rhythms of nature, desert plants and manmade environments across the Valley that cannot otherwise be experienced by the human eye. The work will be realized as several breathtaking screen installations around the Garden and a large-scale immersive exhibition in The RAF Exhibit Gallery.
DESERT PULSE CLASSES
Nature Journaling: Sketching through Time | Dakota Drake
October 16, 23, 30, 6–7:30 p.m.
(Three part series)
Members: $74.95 | General Public: $104.95 (Ticket cost covers entire series)
Take a sketchbook out onto the Garden trails to do some deep observation, noticing change in the desert each week. This series focuses on the concept of change in desert plants over time, highlighted by the Desert Pulse exhibit. This will be a mix of nature sketching, personal journaling and scientific observations as used by field biologists.
Seeing Time: A Photographer’s Journey through Change in the Sonoran Desert |
Rick White-Pickett
October 20, November 3 and 17, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
Members: $94.95 | General Public: $124.95 (Ticket cost covers entire series)
Experience the Sonoran Desert like never before: through the lens of time. This photography series invites you to observe and document the quiet transformations of the natural world, culminating in a personal photo story inspired by Desert Pulse. Whether using a DSLR or a smartphone, this class series will sharpen your eye, deepen your patience and elevate your storytelling.
Class 1: Framing Change: Learn how to spot and frame subtle environmental changes that tell a visual story.
Class 2: Time Tools—Techniques for Capturing Change: Dive into tools and techniques needed to create a photo series or time-lapse. With a DSLR, mirrorless or smartphone camera and a tripod, we’ll explore, consistent framing practices and image organization strategies.
Class 3: Desert Stories: Turn your collection of still images into a finished visual story. Learn sequencing, simple editing and storytelling techniques to convey natural transformation in a compelling and personal way.
Exploring Desert Pulse
November 6, 5:30–7 p.m.
Members: $9.95 | General Public: $19.95
Learn about the behind- the-scenes of the 3D scanning technology and conservation work that makes Desert Pulse come to life. Join us for an interactive panel discussion and conversation about capturing change in the natural world with a photographer, a research botanist and an ASU professor who works with Lidar.
Each of our speakers share how they use different tools to capture environmental change. Photographer Charles Darr spent a year capturing change in the desert over time for Desert Pulse and discusses the role of photography in allowing us to be more mindful of our relationship with the natural world. Garden Curator of Living Collections/Research Botanist Raul Puente shares how he helped select the sites for Desert Pulse based on which plants would best capture change over time. ASU Professor Chelsea Scott shares how she uses Lidar technology in her conservation work to understand our present environmental impact and how we can respond to future change. One cocktail or mocktail included with ticket purchase.
One cocktail or mocktail included with ticket purchase. Bar opens at 5 p.m.
Timelapse Photography for Beginners | Rick White-Pickett
November 10, 5–8 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
This workshop introduces the art and technique of time-lapse photography in a desert setting. Learn how to plan and shoot a longterm photo series using a DSLR, mirrorless or smartphone camera, along with a tripod and your favorite lenses from 16mm to 200mm, and explore how to tell stories of subtle transformation in the natural world. Ideal for curious photographers who want to experiment with time based imagery at their own pace.
All art supplies included unless otherwise specified.
Wired Mosaic | David Jarvinen
September 3, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $79.95 | General Public: $109.95
Join Mosaic Artist David Jarvinen to create fun and colorful mosaics using glass tiles and wire. This is a great way to define area and movement in an easy-to-understand way. Grout kit provided to apply after adhesive cures.
Botanical Illustration (All-Levels) | Devon Meyer
September 4; October 21; November 20, 5:30–7:30 p.m.
(Individual Classes)
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)
September 4: Drawing Desert
Animals: It is relatively easy to catch a glimpse of a desert animal, and even get one on camera, but capturing the animal’s essence takes real creative skill. Learn to depict the attitudes, postures and textures of desert animals. Each class consists of drawing exercises and fun challenges to enhance your drawing skills.
October 21: Vibrant Colored Pencil
Pollinators: Explore the various colors and textures of hummingbirds, bees and butterflies using colored pencil techniques including stippling, hatching, layering and grisaille. Use these techniques to achieve rich, luminous depth to your drawings.
November 20: Sketching the Desert: When we observe the world around us in sketches and illustration, we see so much more detail. Learn drawing techniques that will allow you to capture and communicate what you observe.
Still-Life Watercolor: Paint Desert Plants (All-Levels), Christin Quissell
September 6; October 4, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)
Beat the heat and pamper your creative side: Paint cactus and other desert plants still-life indoors at the Garden. Explore watercolor and paint spines, pleats and the back-lit glow of a barrel cactus; the roundness and pleats of a saguaro; negative space and the jaunty prickly pear.
Desert Inspired Printmaking | Kenna Connelly
September 25, 5:30–7:30 p.m.; October 3, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $39.95 | General Public: $49.95 (Per class)
Explore printmaking inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Kenna Connelly guides participants of all levels from concept to finished print.
September 25: Gelli Plate Nature
Printing: Explore the art of monoprinting and create one-ofa-kind nature prints using gelli plate printing methods and leaves from the Sonoran Desert.
October 3: Desert Inspired Relief Prints: Experiment with carving tools and inks and leave with a finished print and a printed journal/sketchbook.
Mosaic Hummingbird | David Jarvinen
October 15, 10 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Members: $109.95 | General Public: $139.95
Hummingbirds are on the move in the desert. Explore these birds in mosaics by learning to nip and fit glass tiles and leave with your own mosaic hummingbird for the patio or home. Grout kit provided to apply after adhesive dries.
Watercolor in the Garden (All-Levels) | Christin Quissell
November 8, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95
Whether you are a beginner, an old pro, or somewhere in-between, practice watercolor painting amidst the serene mesquites, saguaros and endless blue skies of the Garden. Explore watercolor painting techniques on the trails and capture the essence of the desert.
Sonoran Desert Cornucopia Centerpiece | Jennifer Balcom
November 22, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m., November 23, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. & 1-3 p.m.
Members: $159.95 | General Public: $199.95 (Per class)
Create a cornucopia arrangement from scratch out of a woven palm leaf. Fill your “horn of plenty” with fall foliage, natural and dried elements along with succulents for a Sonoran Desert take on this classic fall centerpiece.
COOKING
Indigenous Inspired Cooking | Denella Belin
October 30; November 4, 20, 6-8 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)
Enjoy a cultural cooking demo and tasting. Chef Denella celebrates Navajo cuisine while honoring many tribal food systems. Her culinary journey allows you to embrace the history of the Indigenous Food-Ways all while you learn how to prepare unique menu creations.
October 30: Blue Corn Mush with Lamb
November 4: Steam Corn Bruschetta November 20: Blue Corn Tortilla Wrap
For more information on each menu, visit dbg.org.
Bourbon in Bloom: Cocktail Demo and Tasting | Jessica Savidge
November 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Members: $64.95 | General Public: $79.95
Dive into the rich history of bourbon as Jessica demonstrates how to use it for perfect fall cocktails and how to incorporate this uniquely versatile spirit into your holiday cooking and baking. Sip on a warming welcome cocktail made with the Garden’s very own “Gertrudes Founder’s Bourbon” as we begin the evening, and enjoy a slightly more “spirited” libation as we move on to a demonstration of cocktail smoking techniques and a lesson on how to batch beverages for a gathering. Take home recipes to inspire your own bourbon banquet.
FORAGING
Foraging in the Fall | Peggy Sue Creekmore (Sorensen)
September 20, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Members: 29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Did you know that there is food growing all around the valley that can be harvested in the fall? Most people are surprised to discover the edible trees, weeds and cactus that they pass by without recognizing the valuable food they produce.
Learn to identify many of these “hidden” treasures as well as how to harvest, process and eat them (and taste some samples).
Cholla Panna Cotta with Prickly Pear | Mark Lewis
October 8, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Members: $51.95 | General Public: $64.95 (Per class)
Learn how to whip up a silky smooth, velvety cholla panna cotta with barrel/ prickly pear/saguaro and graythorn accents in this kitchen demo and tasting class.
Prickly Pear Harvesting | Desert Awareness Committee
November 20, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m..
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95 (Per class)
The prickly pear cactus is a treasure used as a food, in first aid and as a medicinal for certain conditions. But how do you get past the spines? Join us as we reveal the best techniques for harvesting, cleaning, processing and eating this amazing cactus. Taste a variety of foods made with the bright red prickly pear fruit and the green pads.
NATURE & ECOLOGY
Bird Journaling | Kathe Anderson
September 4, 7:30–9:30 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
One of the best ways to become a better birder is to become a better observer, and one of the best ways to become a better observer is to journal— including making written notes and sketches. This interactive indoor/outdoor program is an introduction to journaling through a series of short exercises to try—and to share. With a small class size, and lots of encouragement, you can dabble unselfconsciously with different types of journaling.
Birding 101: Books, Binoculars, Basics | Kathe Anderson
October 15, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
For those just getting started, birder Kathe Anderson takes you through basic equipment, resources and bird anatomy to help you chart your own course in discovering why birding is a fast-growing pastime. This hands-on program starts in the classroom, then moves outside to practice using binoculars to find and identify birds in the Garden.
Birding 102: The B’s, C’s, and D’s of Basic Birding |
Kathe Anderson
October 22, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
For new and experienced birders, this class gives additional identification tips and perspectives for watching birds. This program is interactive and includes field time to practice looking and listening for different clues for bird identification. B stands for Beaks and Behavior ... Want to know what C and D stand for? Join this class to find out.
Spinning Heat: Black Widows and Urban Heat Island Adaptations | James Chadwick (Chad) Johnson
October 28, 6–7:30 p.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $29.95
Western black widow spiders are native Sonoran desert predators that appear to thrive in the face of human disturbances like urbanization—often exhibiting explosive urban population growth. This talk chronicles our attempts to understand the natural history of this species, paying particular attention to the influence that urban heat island temperature elevations have on spider behavior and development. Live (contained) black widows will be in attendance.
Ducks/Not Ducks | Kathe Anderson
November 12, 9–11 a.m.
Members: $29.95 | General Public: $39.95
Wait! Those ducks don’t all look alike! What are those smaller ones? How do you tell all those brown ones apart? How about that one with a tuft on its head? And what about things that look and act like ducks and aren’t (coots, grebes and cormorants)?
Focusing on the common species that spend their winters on ponds all around Phoenix, we’ll parse through a dozen or more species of waterfowl to give you pointers –and confidence – about what you’re seeing. Class will end with a mini field trip to ponds at Papago Park.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Night Photography (iPhone©) | Joanne West
September 23, 5:30–8 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Master iPhone© photography in Night Mode, including how to shoot Aurora Borealis, city scapes and post sunset scenes in the desert. This class is for iPhone© users.
Artistic iPhone© Photography | Joanne West
October 24, 8:30–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn to locate and use specific camera settings on your iPhone© to capture the beauty of the Garden with artistic style. Learn new ways to achieve sharper focus and perfect exposure in different lighting conditions. Use the iPhone© camera’s macro and telephoto for unique closeups photos. Discover ways to capture fast moving subjects, utilize the live photo features like blurring water, create beautiful portraits and great selfies. This class is for iPhone© users.
Photography: Seeing with New Eyes | Joanne West
November 14, 8:30–11 a.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Learn techniques for powerful composition with attention to lighting and practice making photos with fresh perspective in the autumn infused gardens. All camera types and skill levels are welcome.
Photo by Joanne West
Photo by Joanne West
WELLNESS
Sundown Sound Meditation
September 3, 17; October 22, 29; November 5, 12, 19, 26, 6–7 p.m.
Members: $19.95 | General Public: $32.95 (Per class)
Experience sound meditation at the Garden in a peaceful sundown setting. Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation. Visit dbg.org for information on which classes will be held indoors or outdoors.
Medicinal Plants of the Desert Southwest | Jennifer Ribaudo
September 6, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Step into the world of the Sonoran Desert’s medicinal plants and uncover their incredible survival strategies and healing properties. Identify some key medicinal plants of the Southwest and their practical applications in herbal remedies and everyday health. Participants receive a comprehensive handout featuring detailed plant profiles and desert-inspired herbal recipes.
DIY Herbal Teas | Denise Lee of One Million Entrepreneurs
October 5, 1–3 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Join us for a hands-on herbal tea workshop where you’ll craft soothing, immune-supporting blends. Explore the best herbs for seasonal health and overall wellness. Leave with your own blend and the knowledge to support your health all season long.
Pilates & Lattes in the Garden
October 12; November 22, 9–10:30 a.m.
(45 minute Pilates class followed by an optional coffee social hour)
Members: $24.95 | General Public: $39.95 (Per class)
Come move, connect and caffeinate with Pilattes, a community-driven experience bringing people together through Pilates and lattes.
We’ll start with a 45-minute alllevels Pilates class taught by Melanie McKenna, followed by a casual coffee hour to connect, unwind and build community.
Morning Sound Meditation
October 26; November 9, 23, 10–11 a.m.
Members: $19.95 | General Public: $32.95 (Per class)
Let the soothing melodies of singing bowls and gongs transport you to a state of pure relaxation and meditation. Participants can be seated or lie down for the entirety of the class. Don’t forget to bring a mat.
Sunset Yoga
October 7, 21, 28; November 4, 18, 25, 5:30–6:30 p.m.
Members: $19.95 | General Public: $32.95 (Per class)
Unwind and connect with nature during this memorable Sunset Yoga session, led by Metta Yoga. Together, in a Sonoran Desert oasis, breathe, stretch and embrace the beauty of the setting sun whilst enjoying the Garden views. This is an all-levels class.
Chair Yoga
October 8, 22; November 5, 19, 9–10 a.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $24.95 (Per class)
Unwind and connect with nature during a supportive asana chair yoga class. Using a chair for modifications and variations on traditional asana (poses), we’ll explore the best ways to support bodies that struggle with getting to and from the floor or just need a gentler approach to the practice that day. This gentle approach allows practitioners to benefit from the asana while finding a deeper focus on the breath and feeling of stability in the body.
Gentle Yoga
October 15, 29; November 12, 26, 9–10 a.m.
Members: $14.95 | General Public: $24.95 (Per class)
Start your day slowly with gentle yoga in the Garden. Try to go slow through this traditional vinyasa flow class, focused on basic postures and sun salutations. You will be surprised how moving slowly with awareness can be quite soothing and relaxing.
Build Your Own Botanical Fragrance | Clairelle Fragrances
November 18, 6–7:30 p.m.
Members: $34.95 | General Public: $41.95
Clairelle’s Natural Perfume Making course is a fun, hands-on, beginnerfriendly experience where you’ll create your own signature scent using pure botanical oils—no experience required. Blend top, middle and base notes step-by-step, experimenting with natural ingredients to craft a fragrance that’s 100 percent you. From first sniff to final bottle, every moment is designed to spark creativity, build confidence and leave you with a one-of-a-kind scent that beautifully captures your essence.
CHILDREN & FAMILY OFFERINGS
FAMILY PROGRAMS
Seedlings
September 3, 10, 17, 24 at 9:30–11 a.m.
Members: $8.95 | General Public: $12.95 (per class)
Children 3-5 and caretakers experience the wonder of nature through hands-on lessons that teach kids and adults how to splash, dig, climb and explore together through nature play concepts. Every class features new themes, trail walks in the Garden, songs, play and activities, plus time for free play in the Cactus Clubhouse!
Cactus Clubhouse
Thursdays – Sundays, Oct. 11, 2025 –May 10, 2026
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Included with admission or Garden membership
Cactus Clubhouse is an engaging, hands-on nature play space designed especially for kids 12 and under. Bursting with opportunities for curiosity and discovery, it’s the perfect place for young explorers to let their imaginations run wild! Join us on the weekends too for fun hands-on activities and crafts.
Storytime
Select Fridays & Saturdays, 10 a.m. Weisz Learning Center
Included with Garden admission or membership. First come, first served. Spark your child’s love for nature with engaging stories, songs and hands-on activities. Designed for children five and under and their caregivers, each session offers a playful introduction to the wonders of the natural world.
The Great Arizona Puppet Theater presents The Jackrabbit and the Desert Tortoise
September 1, 9:30 & 10:30 a.m. Boppart Courtyard Included with admission or Garden membership
This funny version of Aesop’s “Tortoise and the Hare” fable features slow and steady Dusty the Desert Tortoise in an epic race against wild Jack the Jackrabbit. Set in the Sonoran Desert for a unique twist!
EDUCATORS
Teacher-Led Field Trips
Mondays – Wednesdays
9 a.m. - 3:30 pm.
$12 per student. Chaperone and teachers complimentary
Discover the beauty of the desert with a teacher-led field trip to Desert Botanical Garden. Teachers and their students will embark on a self-guided visit while connecting with nature and outdoor exploration. Visit dbg.org to book a field trip.
Don’t forget, every class purchase includes admission to the Garden before or after your classes.
REFUND & CANCELATION POLICY
Refunds
Refunds can be issued for classes or cancelations with more than five business days’ notice. Please send your request to registrar@dbg.org or call 480.941.1225..
Note: Due to booking costs, Travel & Adventure class refunds in Adult Education are limited to 70% of the total price.
Cancelations
Desert Botanical Garden reserves the right to cancel programs at its discretion. Programs will run as scheduled, regardless of weather, unless participants are contacted directly by Garden staff either by phone or email. We reserve the right to substitute any instructors in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
