The Gardens

Aloe Alley

Aloe Alley is a quiet and shady garden path, a local favorite! See hummingbirds and bees flock to this area when the Aloe are flowering.

Backyard Bird Garden

The Backyard Bird Garden shows how to attract birds the natural way. Watch for hummingbirds, cardinals, and thrashers year-round.

Pollinator Garden

The Pollinator Garden displays a variety of seasonal plants that attract regional and migrating pollinators including monarchs!

Cactus & Succulent Garden

The Cactus and Succulent Garden features cacti from deserts around the world. See species from the southwestern United States, Mexico, South America and Africa.

Children’s Discovery Garden

The Children’s Discovery Garden takes you on a journey through the life cycle of a plant. A great spot to play and discover.

Thornville Garden Railway

Watch the train as it winds through a miniature town. Hear it chug and whistle as you stroll around the Gardens. (Operation subject to weather and other conditions)

Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion

Home to Butterfly Magic, the Cox Butterfly & Orchid Pavilion, in addition to the seasonal Tropical Butterfly display, contains an impressive selection of tropical plants such as Orchids, Hibiscus, Sword Ferns, and Bromeliads. Open October – May

Herb Garden

The Herb Garden displays a rich variety of culinary, fragrance, and medicinal herbs that can be grown in Tucson.

Shade Garden

The Shade Garden demonstrates which regional plants thrive and are appropriate for shady spots.

Historical Porter Gardens

The Historical Garden features many trees and shrubs commonly planted in Tucson during the 1930s, 40s, and 50s – including olive, myrtle, and dwarf citrus.

Iris Garden

Don’t miss the Iris Garden in April when it’s in full bloom.  You will see a spectacular display of color and a wide variety of bearded iris.

Nuestro Jardin

(Barrio Garden) Nuestro Jardin honors Tucson’s traditional Mexican-American neighborhood gardens with a charming and colorful display of flowers, trees, herbs, and objects commonly seen in barrio gardens.

Exhibit Garden

The Exhibit Garden is always changing! Currently featured is our Modernist Garden inspired by Brazilian Landscape Architect, Roberto Burle Marx.

Zen Garden

The Zen Garden is a quiet haven for reflection and peaceful contemplation.

Xeriscape Garden

The Xeriscape Garden demonstrates  a beautiful, lush and low-water-use landscape, perfect for any Tucson backyard.

Sensory Ramadas

The Sensory Ramadas feature 4 themed garden areas: Cactus Ramada, Kitchen Ramada, Floral Ramada, & Woodland Ramada. Each of these unique spaces engage different combinations of the 5 senses.

Plants of the Tohono O’odham Path

Plants of the Tohono O’odham path honors the relationship between native peoples and the plants of the Sonoran Desert.