Chucks rambling: Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park

Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park. Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park is located in beautiful and scenic Queen Creek Canyon, three miles west of Superior. Natural resource developer and philanthropist William Boyce Thompson established the Southwestern Arboretum in the mid-1920’s. The inspiration to create an arid-region arboretum sprang from a lifetime of fervent interest in things botanical, horticultural, and natural. It was specifically inspired by Thompson’s visit to Russia during the terrible famine years just after the First World War. Thompson, who was a Colonel in the Red Cross, came to realize how profoundly dependent human beings are on plants. It was Thompson’s fervent desire to do something to enhance man’s symbiotic relationship with members of the plant kingdom. A man of broad vision typical of the expansive “can-do” times, Thompson along with the Arboretum’s first Director, Franklin Crider, fashioned a mission for the Arboretum that was vast and global in scope with economic utility and aesthetic appeal being of primary importance in accessioning material to the collection.

There's a Children’s Garden: Get lost in the maze, dig for buried treasure and enjoy the sites, sounds and smells. This garden has something for all ages. Taylor Legume Garden: This garden showcases some of the many members from the very important Pea Family of plants. Cactus & Succulent Garden: 300 species of cacti and succulents call our Cactus Garden home. Herb Garden: You will find this garden to be an aromatic and culinary delight. Also located within the Herb Garden is the historic Clevenger House. Australian Desert: Find yourself surrounded by trees and shrubs from the Land Down Under on this Australian Walkabout. Demonstration Garden: This garden will give you design and plant selection ideas for your home landscape.

Wildlife Viewing Wildlife Viewing Wildlife ViewingThe Arboretum’s irrigated gardens and protected grounds are a magnet for birds and animals. Over 300 species of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians call the Arboretum home. While often unseen, Mule Deer, Javalina, Fox, Raccoon, Skunk, Squirrel and Rabbits (just to name a few) call the Arboretum home.

Some great places for a little Tai Chi

Just Bina and I

The morning light was great for photos.

Doing what I can to hold things up!

The Boojum tree (Fouquieria columnaris) is one of the most bizarre-looking plants in the world. Shaped like spiny upside down carrots, they never fail to interest observers. Boojums are native to the Sonoran Desert on the west coast of Baja California, and one small area on the Sonora mainland near Puerto Libertad.