Being frugal AND a gardener, my recent trip south had to include an inexpensive gardening fix. Was that even possible in the Palm Springs area, known for high prices and soaring temperatures?
I had Googled public gardens before leaving and had one in mind for our week long stay in Palm Springs. After calling to find out the hours and costs; off we went to look up the Moorten "Desertland" Botanical Garden. The property used to be a private estate and is now open to the public for tours in addition to being a location frequently rented for weddings and other parties.
Admission was $3.00 per person so it didn't break the bank. We strolled through pathways that led through gardens planted according to different desert areas, were amazed at the odd varieties of cacti in the Cactarium and surprised to find a water feature in the center of the gardens.
All four of us had to use new eyes, as we viewed the plantings since we were SO out of our gardening comfort zone. (think Pacific NW, rhododendrons, ferns, evergreens and lush green everywhere.....)
There garden features over 3000 varieties of desert plants ....all shapes, sizes and colors. Our favorites seemed to be areas planted with a variety of textures grouped together.
We also could see signs of spring....even in such stark conditions. Blossoms and new growth were there; just smaller and less flamboyant than in our gardens at home.
Be sure to check out gardens open to the public when you travel; they are great sources of information and inspiration for your own gardens!
I Spent the First Day of Spring in the Desert!
March 30th, 2007 at 03:13 am
March 30th, 2007 at 04:19 pm 1175271590
I LOVE gardens.
March 30th, 2007 at 07:01 pm 1175281291
March 30th, 2007 at 07:50 pm 1175284207
March 30th, 2007 at 08:10 pm 1175285430
I was surprised at how shady the garden area was, very rarely were we in total sun; which was a blessing to all of us pale folks from WA state!
March 31st, 2007 at 04:34 am 1175315666