In The Joshua Tree Area

come here to explore the greenhouse, the gardens, and the gift shop, which always has a way of coaxing me to leave some funds there, for there are so many unique items.

Just about any cactus you ever thought about wanting to own can be found here. The” Dig Your Own Bar” offers a large variety of cacti that are only 1 to inch high for 79 cents each. They will teach you howto replant or direct you to similar cacti in a larger size if you choose.

It is one of Southern California’s largest suppliers of orchids. When you ask residents of Palm Springs, “Have you been to the orchid farm in the hi-desert?” they look at you with disbelief. Who would ever dream that orchids would grow in the desert?

Yes, you can buy orchids. The array of varieties and colors of orchids is astounding, and you will learn how to grow these stunning flowers. Gubler Orchids offers tours of their six greenhouses. One of the greenhouses includes some ancient cacti that are part of the family’s collection.

The Integratron dome is entirely wood, 38 feet high, and 55 feet in diameter, and is considered acoustically perfect. Today, hundreds of visitors come to the grounds to relax or partake in a sound bath offered Thursday through Sunday. Reservations are necessary. If you have never experienced a sound bath, it is a therapeutic process for the whole body. Tibetan singing bowls are played, followed by taped chamber music. Through fullbody listening, you become very relaxed as you lie on mats. From my three times experiencing a sound bath there, they have never been the same.

Open on May 3, 2023, in Twentynine Palms, California, the Joshua Tree Cultural Center looms large in the newly created Freedom Pla-

ByCondonCathy Journalist & Travel Writer

za. A partnership between the City of Twentynine Palms, Joshua Tree, Joshua Tree National Park, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Native American Community came together to provide a community gathering place while serving visitors.

Visitors can gain insights into the area’s history through informative exhibits, curated museum artifacts, and a variety of books on the area. Check their calendar for special events, including lectures.

Keep your eye open as you head to the North entrance of the Joshua Tree National Park for the 29 Palms Art Gallery and Guild. The gallery is the oldest in the Joshua Tree Gateway Communities, located at the Oasis of Mara in Twentynine Palms in an adobe building built in 1936.

This well-appointed gallery is owned by the Guild, a non-profit, and staff with volunteers.

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