Recently we were asked why we chose to travel to Arizona & Mexico. Well, the cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden are definitely one of the reasons. We walked 8 km of trails with over 4000 different types of plants (including 379 rare, threatened or endangered species). And then there are the hummingbirds, butterflies, flowering cacti, and native wildflowers...
The largest Cacti in the world can be found in the Sonoran Desert in Arizona. The two largest species of cacti are the Saguaro (which I talked about yesterday) and the Cardon. We saw both of them today! The Cardon cacti were brought to the Desert Botanical Garden when the gardens were established in the 1930s. These giant cacti are now over 100 years old. The tallest recorded Cardon was 19.2 m (63 ft)—even taller than the Saguaro. Can you estimate how big the cactus is Ray is standing in front of? Oh, I almost forgot to mention Dale Chihuly’s stunning large-scale glass sculptures. Are you starting to see some of the reasons we are adventuring here? Stay safe. You are Always in my Prayers. Love Mom. P.S. I had prickly cactus ice tea with my lunch —loved it—Dad was NOT a fan
14 Comments
Christine Hesch
3/4/2022 10:49:04 am
We are interested in what kind of birds you are wanting to see? What kind of hummingbird is in the picture?
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Ray
3/4/2022 05:41:54 pm
The hummingbird in the picture is a female Anna’s Hummingbird. Was hoping to see some owls especially the great horned owl and the Pygmy owl. Also would like to see the guilded flicker and Gila woodpecker. We have already seen many curve-billed thrashers and quail. I also want to see a roadrunner. Our guide for our tour into Mexico is a birder so hopefully we will see lots.
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Carter
3/5/2022 11:45:07 am
How tall is that cactus by Papa?
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Ray (Papa)
3/5/2022 08:21:58 pm
It is as tall as Papa, Daddy and Mommy all standing on top of each other.
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Tyler
3/10/2022 11:13:11 am
How tall is the cacti in the first picture
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Diane
3/10/2022 06:59:52 pm
Ray says about 18ft. It wasn’t the tallest in the garden but it was the one he could get closest to.
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Jayve
3/10/2022 11:15:52 am
Why are the plants so colourful
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Diane
3/10/2022 07:00:37 pm
The really colourful stuff is blown glass sculptures in the garden.
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Ally
3/10/2022 11:17:55 am
The photos of cactuses are incredibly fascinating. Do those photos include multiple different types of cactuses or one type which are different ages?
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Diane
3/10/2022 07:02:23 pm
The first picture includes a variety of cactus. The second includes mostly Cardons at different stages. Good question.
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Arrow and kara
3/10/2022 11:18:46 am
Wow! Those flowers are very pretty! Do you happen to know the names of them?
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Diane
3/10/2022 07:07:25 pm
The big yellow flower was on a barrel cactus. The purple ones with the humming birds are penstemons.
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Sophia
3/10/2022 11:20:33 am
What kind of butterfly is that?
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Diane
3/10/2022 07:11:20 pm
It is a gulf fritillary. We have some Fritillaries in Ontario but not this one.
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