Desert Botanical Gardens, a wonderland of cacti in Phoenix, AZ

We stopped in Phoenix while on a road-trip. There we visited a bowling alley (always fun) and the Desert Botanical Gardens. These gardens were started in 1939 and now house over 50,000 plants and more than 4,000 different species. It's wonderful. Go! Visit! Enjoy!

Their mission statement reads:

"The Garden’s commitment to the community is to advance excellence in education, research, exhibition and conservation of desert plants of the world with emphasis on the Sonoran Desert. We will ensure that the Garden is always a compelling attraction that brings to life the many wonders of the desert."

And, their gift shop is a delight too. A bouquet of plants, trinkets and knick-knacks without the usual exorbitant prices.

These are autumn photographs, imagine how wonderful it looks in the spring.