Beautiful blooms and birds are aplenty as we head into summer, but with temperatures ever-increasing the state’s oldest and largest botanical garden, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, is opening early to ensure summer safety combined with amazing scenery.
In addition to early opening/closing hours of 6 a.m. to 12 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays) to avoid the heat, the Arboretum is also offering discounted admissions from June – August 2025 of $16 for adults – a savings of $8.95 off the regular price of $24.95.
“We have plenty of shaded trails and there are rangers and other staff on site walking around to answer questions,” said Kim Gray, Executive Director of the Arboretum. “Whether you’re hiking, birding, or just enjoying the garden’s quiet beauty, early morning is a magical time to experience the desert.”
The Arboretum is a renowned destination for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of yellow warblers, vermillion flycatchers, black-throated sparrows, Western tanagers, and many others. Visitors may also encounter butterflies and coatimundis, especially in the cool of the morning.
What’s Blooming: A Seasonal Snapshot
Each month brings new beauty to the trails and gardens, including the following:
June
- Queen of the Night (Peniocereus greggii) – Rare, fragrant night-blooming cactus
- Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus enneacanthus subsp. brevispinus)
- Golden-flowered Agave (Agave chrysantha) – Seen on the main trail above the lake and along the High Trail
July
- Crepe-myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – Children’s Garden, Demonstration Garden
- Hedgehog Cactus (Echinopsis spp.) – Cactus Garden, Wallace, Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden
- Texas Sage (Leucophyllum spp.) – Blooms after rain; Children’s Garden, Chihuahuan Trail
- Desert-willow (Chilopsis linearis) – Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden, Wallace Rose Garden
- Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii) – Widespread in Wallace Garden and Aussie Desert
- Fishhook Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus wislizeni) – Cactus Garden, Wallace, Sonoran Upland
- Cardon Grande Cactus (Echinopsis terscheckii) – Cactus Garden, South American Loops
August
- Crepe-myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) – Children’s Garden, Demonstration Garden
- Hedgehog Cactus (Echinopsis spp.) – Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden, Cactus Garden, Wallace
- Texas Sage (Leucophyllum spp.) – Blooms after rain; Children’s Garden, Chihuahuan Trail
- Desert-willow (Chilopsis linearis) – Hummingbird/Butterfly Garden, Wallace Rose Garden
- Sea Squill (Drimia maritima) – Canyon Entrance, Demonstration Garden
- Sacred Datura (Datura wrightii) – Widespread: Wallace and Aussie Gardens
- Cardon Grande Cactus (Echinopsis terscheckii) – Cactus Garden, South American Loops
With shaded trails, expert staff on hand, and remarkable plant and wildlife displays, Boyce Thompson Arboretum provides a cool and captivating escape from the heat.
For more information – including details on upcoming events, memberships, and conservation initiatives – visit www.btarboretum.org, call 520.689.2723.
