Boyce Thompson Arboretum

Our much anticipated visit to the Boyce Thompson Arboretum took place on Saturday morning. Boyce is located about an hour south-east of Phoenix in Superior, AZ. This arboretum is known as a 320 acre horticultural oasis and preserve, housing a multitude of plants, trees, cacti, critters, butterflies, dragonflies and hummingbirds. It was founded in 1924 by Colonel William Boyce Thompson who had become an environmentalist and wanted to preserve Arizona's natural beauty through education, study and research. 

We began our visit by following a walking tour but quickly opted for a self-guided walk-about. We enjoyed making our own discoveries of leaping lizards, beautiful butterflies, gigantic gum trees and personable people. On the day we went, there were volunteers doling out foods and information about different places around the world. The kids enjoyed holding an ostrich egg, drinking rooiboos tea and eating hummus. Willow was pleased about the strategically placed water bowls for dogs along the way. The children's garden was a magical little place and was where we found the bulk of the lizards and butterflies of the day. There were human sun dials, wooden instruments, an herb garden, an outdoor educational centre, a maze and more. 

One of the highlights came to pass when we started walking along a forest towards the high rise area. After several months of beaches and desert landscapes, it was great to be back in a forest covered by trees. Additionally, we found an adorable setting with the remains of a house built in the early 1900's which housed a family of five at the time until they left around 1920. Col. Thompson purchased the home to use as a playhouse for his grandchildren, many years later. We reflected that our family of five could handle living in this two bedroom home quite easily after living in a travel trailer for a few months. It's amazing how little we really need to survive! Of course there were more lizards upon a huge eucalyptus tree stump on the trail. Also, we enjoyed a picturesque hike following a walk across a short suspension bridge. This hike was one where you were drawn to look ahead at all of the beauty as well as your footings, so you won't slip...but also to remind yourself to look back often, as the views were constantly changing and memorable. Finally, we encountered an old Australian outback set up, displaying artifacts and structures from the early 1900's, a wonderful picnic area and a tiny gift shop and greenhouse. 

We certainly covered a lot in a two hour timeframe and can picture even more flowers blooming over the next few weeks. This spot was very pretty and I'm sure you could spend a lot of time just sitting and taking in all it has to offer on any given spring day.