Spring 2026 6 Desert in full bloom I f you think of a garden as just a patch of green, the Desert Botanical Garden in Papago Park will definitely give you pause. What started in 1939 as a small, community-driven experiment to “save the desert” has grown into a world-class cultural and scientific institution celebrating desert life in all its spiny, colorful glory. Back then, a few Phoenix-area residents – including social figure Gertrude Divine Webster – wanted to preserve the unique plants of the Sonoran Desert. More than 80 years later, the garden remains grounded in that same mission while expanding into research, education, and programs that help people live better in desert environments. “Desert Botanical Garden started as a small, visionary experiment in preservation. Today, it’s far larger in scale, reach, and impact… but still grounded in the same core idea: celebrating and protecting desert life,” said President and CEO Chris Kline, who took the helm in October 2025 and is leading the garden into its second century with a focus on resilience, access, and community impact. But let’s talk about the plants – because that’s what gardeners and flower lovers are really here for. According to DBG’s Public Horticulturalist Angelica Eliot, the garden is home to a dazzling array of flora from the Sonoran Desert and beyond. Guests will spot cactus and agaves everywhere (the garden is designated as the National Collection of Cactus and Agaves), plus trees like palo verdes and ironwood, wildflowers such as poppies and lupine, and even a collection Catch the newest experiences at Desert Botanical Garden Seasonal events, plant sales, and educational programs give visitors hands-on opportunities to learn about desert gardening, conservation, and the region’s unique ecosystem.

of aloes. Most of it was planted by hand, with volunteers helping some plants reseed naturally. Spring is especially spectacular at DBG. From March 12-15, gardeners can dive into the 50th anniversary Spring Plant Sale, picking up plants, succulents, and cactus while getting pro tips for their own yards. That’s not the only way to enjoy the garden this season, as March and April bring back the Dog Days at the Garden event, letting visitors explore the trails with their canine companions. The Desert Studio: Emerging Artists Series takes place on March 27 and April 17, featuring live music and creative showcases. March also hosts Spaces of Opportunity Day on March 10, a daytime farmers market celebrating area produce, and the festive Fund the Farm Celebration on March 20 that supports urban farming programs. The garden doesn’t just look beautiful – it’s also a space built for science and conservation. At the Hazel Hare Center for Plant Science, researchers protect rare and endangered species and study how desert plants handle heat and water challenges, turning that research into practical solutions for the region. “The garden has the credibility, talent, and platform to help solve real- world challenges around heat, water, and growth while remaining an inspiring place for the community to host events and memorable life moments,” Kline said. And for those who want to see the desert in a whole new way, the Framerate: Desert Pulse exhibit runs through May 10, 2026, offering an immersive, multi-sensory experience that highlights beauty in ways you might never have imagined. Later in the spring, events like the Central Arizona Cactus and Succulent Society Annual Show & Sale (March 27-29), Bottles & Bites with SanTan Distilling on March 25, the 40th annual Dinner on the Desert on April 25, and a Mother’s Day celebration on May 10 add fun, food, and community spirit to the desert backdrop. Whether you’re a longtime gardener, a weekend explorer, or just someone looking for a colorful escape this spring, DBG proves that desert life is anything but dull. With prickly cacti, blooming wildflowers, and a calendar full of events, there’s always a reason to wander, learn, and plant a few ideas of your own. dbg.org GARDENING TIPS Spring is the perfect time to bring a little desert magic into your own garden. Here’s what DBG experts suggest: GO NATIVE Focus on plants that thrive in the Sonoran Desert climate. Cactus and agaves are the garden’s stars, and they’re low maintenance while offering a bold, architectural look. Add a palo verde or ironwood tree for shade and structure. COLOR POPS Spring wildflowers like poppies and lupine are perfect for adding radiant color. Plant them in clusters for a natural desert-meadow effect. MIX TEXTURES AND HEIGHTS Combine spiky cactus, succulent rosettes, and flowering shrubs like chuparosa to create visual interest and mimic the desert’s natural diversity. THINK GLOBALLY, PLANT LOCALLY DBG also grows plants from other parts of the world, like aloes, which do well in warm, dry climates. Consider adding a few for variety but stick with desert-adapted species to conserve water. LET NATURE HELP Many desert plants reseed naturally. Leave some areas “wild” to encourage volunteer plants – nature does a lot of the work! TIMING IS EVERYTHING Plant new cacti and succulents in early spring when temperatures are moderate. This gives roots time to settle before the summer heat arrives. 7