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Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Top Reasons to Visit Tohono Chul Gardens




Are you traveling to Tucson for business or pleasure or are you a local who wants to refresh? A simple way to shed stress from body and mind is to visit Tohono Chul Gardens, Galleries, and Bistro.

This 49 acre urban park is a sensory treat. Rest your weary eyes and spirit on a wide array of colorful flowers, interesting succulents, drought resistant cacti, and other native or adaptive plants that grow well in the southwestern American terrain. 






See why Travel + Leisure named Tohono Chul "One of the World's Great Botanical Gardens" and National Geographic called it "One of the Top 22 Secret Gardens in the U.S. and Canada."


 Top Reasons to Visit Tohono Chul Gardens





1.  Fresh water, vegetation, and food supply attracts wildlife to the area. Reptiles and mammals from Gila monsters and rabbits to snakes, gray fox, and squirrels make their home here.

2. One hundred and forty species of birds are residents, including those who are seasonal visitors.  Sit in the shade and be still. Listen for the call of a mourning dove or spot a graceful blue heron. 

Many birds flit from tree to tree. Take a docent-guided or self-directed tour, whichever you prefer to find out more.

3. The gardens are a haven for butterflies. Some of them are permanent residents and others are seasonal. Monarchs use Tohono Chul as a Waystation. They breed and feed in a protected area, and then migrate to other climes. 






4. Love hummingbirds? This is a great place to see them. I snapped a shot of one and it appears at the top of this post. The photo is attached to an orange background with a green and white border. 

Hummingbirds are magnetized by the bright colors of yellow, pink, purple, and orange, although the color they love best is red. Tohono Chul cultivates salvia, desert honeysuckle, desert willow, and other hummingbird friendly plants including Firecracker penstemon

As you walk Tohono Chul's paths and trails don't forget to inhale deeply. The aroma of flowering vegetation is a healthy way to get intoxicated.

5. Walk at a lively pace through the various gardens. This will  help get your blood pumping, allows your body to absorb vitamin D from sunlight, and connects you to nature's healing vibes.

Most paths and trails are wheelchair accessible and Tohono Chul is open every day but July 4, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years' Day. 


Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the grounds, and air smells fresh and sweet wherever you stroll.

One day when there is free admission is May 5th, 2019 for Cinco de Mayo. Authentic Mexican food demos, music, arts, and culture combine to make this an inexpensive way to participate in a lively celebration. 

6. Tohono Chul is a wonderful place for kids and grandkids to explore. Children, parents, and grandparents delight in the scenery. Kids can wade in a play stream, and all of us enjoy being immersed in nature.




7. Tohono Chul is a backdrop for special events and concerts outdoors. For example, I enjoyed a steel drum concert held in the performance garden on Easter Sunday. 






Tohono Chul Gardens is located at 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte, Tucson, AZ 85704. Call 520-742-6456 or see upcoming events on the Tohono Chul Website. Keep this in mind. On Mother's Day there's free admission for mothers and grandmothers.

8. What would an outing be, without refreshments? Tohono Chul has that base covered with brunch at the Garden Bistro

There's even a back patio where you can dine al fresco. While you're at it, admire the art work displayed on the walls, in galleries, and see sculptures that are displayed in the gardens.

If you prefer to eat your meal after the visit, whip up yummy taco and salsa recipes for Mother's Day Brunch, Cinco de Mayo, or any time you crave a south of the border treat.

Water features in several areas of Tohono Chul gardens helps deflect the heat created by the desert sun. In all seasons it's important to stay hydrated, wear a hat, and apply sunscreen.

The words "tohono chul" translates to "desert corner," and comes from the language of the Tohono O'odham, the indigenous people of southern Arizona.  I invite you to travel to this tranquil desert corner to experience nature's bounty.

Please comment below in the space provided, and don't add your link in it. I won't be able to publish it that way.

Are your curious about the southwestern Sonoran Desert flora and fauna? What animal or plant species would you like to see up close and personal?

Have you visited Tohono Chul Gardens? If so what did you enjoy? 

If not, what would be your first stop there?  


Please like and re-share this post on social media. Thanks for your visit and I suggest you...



For other posts about Tucson see..





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18 comments:

  1. Thanks so much for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty 37! Shared x 3 ♥

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    1. Thanks Dee for the comment and shares. REALLY appreciate it. Wishing you a beautiful weekend and colorful days.

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  2. We visited a much smaller garden like this in Las Vegas. I enjoyed seeing all of the different plants.

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    1. Yes. The desert has many wonderful varieties of flora and fauna-some just amazing. Thanks for the comment and be well.

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  3. I'm a big bird fan. It sounds like a place I would love! Thanks for sharing. If I get to Arizona, I'll keep it in mind.

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    1. So glad I was able to share this with you. Have a fantastic day and thanks for the visit.

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    1. Thanks Lydia C. Lee for the visit and comment. Glad you stopped on by. Have a beautiful day!

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  5. Hi, Nancy - I don't have any immediate plans to visit Arizona, but....I have just added Tohono Chul Gardens to my Bucket List! Great post! #MLSTL

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    1. Appreciate the comment and if and when you visit Tucson let me know. Maybe we can meet up. Have a beautiful day!

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  6. What a lovely spot - and hummingbirds!! I'm in Australia and seeing a hummingbird is on my list of travel things if I ever get to the US (along with seeing fireflies). This park just sounds beautiful and I love that it's smoke free too.
    Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I've shared on my SM :)

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    1. Thanks Leanne both for the comment and hosting. Look forward to reading all the posts at MLSTL. Please let me know when you drop by my neck of the woods. Would love to meet you!

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  7. Hi Nancy, I can hear the birds and isn't nature just wonderful for the soul? Thank you for sharing this area with us at #MLSTL and have a beautiful week. xx

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    1. Thanks again Sue for hosting #MLSTL. Another thanks for the comment and visit. Yes, nature is "just wonderful." Have a beautiful week as well.

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  8. It sounds heavenly, Nancy. Thank you for sharing. If I get down that way, I will definitely put this on my list of places to visit. #MLSTL

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    1. Thanks Christie for the comment and visit. Please let me know if and when you visit Tucson. Maybe we can meet up. Have fun at #MLSTL and have a beautiful day!

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  9. Sounds like an interesting place to visit. I just love your hummingbird picture at the top of the page!

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    1. Thanks Jennifer for the visit and comment. Can't believe i was able to capture the shot but I did. Stayed very still until the right moment and there it is. Hve a beautiful day!

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