Sun, Fun at the Tucson Botanical Gardens

view of shade garden, Tucson Botanical Gardens

With sunny skies and an afternoon temperature close to 75 degrees, my husband and I sprinted outdoors to visit the Tucson Botanical Gardens. 

Tucson has 350+ days of sunshine each year, and almost every day is a good day to explore the sights.

Look below to discover why tourists and locals alike think the TBG is the place to be.

There are many individually themed gardens within the garden grounds, and eye-catching flora and fauna that appeals to various interests. 

Look below to see photos to illustrate what things we enjoyed seeing this time.

The Zen Garden, views of tranquility, balance, and beauty. 

My senses come alive in the gardens. Delightful aromas, cascading fountains, bird songs, luscious colors, and plush or prickly looking vegetation makes me want to reach out to touch some and not others. 

The mosaic plaque in the photo below helps me recall some herbs and spices that grow well in Tucson's climate.

This time, I was surprised to see a curry plant growing here too.

The pungent smell of a curry plant, growing in a clay pot, caught my olfactory attention

Pick and choose from venues that entertain, inform, relax, refresh, and delight you. 

Being in nature has a healing effect. Read why research indicates a link between improving health and spending time in nature.

The Butterfly House at the TBG with its current show, Butterfly Magic, draws a crowd and fascinates me. Hours for this exhibit are 9:30am – 3:00 daily (October – May). Masks are required in its Greenhouse. 

Check the Tucson Botanical Gardens Website for special event notices, overview of the history of the gardens, address, café menu, admission fee details, and hours of operation. 

If you prefer, phone 520-326-9686 or email info@tucsonbotanical.org for further information. 

A special exhibit, Seeing the Invisible: An Augmented Reality Contemporary Art Exhibition, on view till the end of August 2022 features contemporary artworks created with augmented reality (AR)technology. 

The displays are virtual works that engage with existing features of the natural landscape, so I'm not able to show photos of them.

Seeing the Invisible features new works by more than a dozen international artists. The Tucson Botanical Gardens is one of 12 participating gardens across six countries selected.

It is the first exhibition of its kind to be developed in collaboration between botanical gardens and arts institutions from around the world. 🌴🌵🍃🌺

No matter how many times we visit the gardens, there are fun things to see and explore. Hope you enjoyed coming along. If and when you're in Tucson, AZ, please give the Tucson Botanical Gardens a look-see.

 

Before you go, please share your comments below. 

Have you been to the Tucson Botanical Gardens or would you like to see it one day? 

I read and appreciate every comment, and am grateful for social media shares as well.

Thanks for visiting Colors 4 Health. I publish blogs on the 1st and 15th of each month, and welcome a visit from you again.

This post has been shared at Dare-to-share-511

This post has been shared at Thursday-favorite-things-tft-link-party-531

This post has been shared at Dare-to-share-509

This post has been shared at Thursday-favorite-things-party

Tucson Fun-Street Art for Wordless Wednesday

Feast your eyes on Tucson Street Art for Wordless Wednesday!

Metal Sculpture Along the Rillito River Park Trail

After months of lock down, it's refreshing to recall the fun I had as I saw these sights.

Cute display in a front garden.

Gate at the Tucson Botanical Garden

Kindness Tree on side of a building



The next three photo were taken this month as I walked in my neighborhood. I'm grateful to the artists and the City of Tucson for improving the character of the street with colorful sculptures.

Have you been outdoors exercising or strolling since the pandemic began?

Which outdoor art installations do you like and why?

Are there any sculptures (see below), mosaics, or murals you enjoy seeing near where you live?

Sculpture Marroney Theatre UA Campus

I believe street art is a colorful life enhancement project for any neighborhood to embark on. Do you agree? 

Please comment below and share on social media (with link back to this post).

I read every comment, and appreciate you taking a moment to reply.

This post has been shared at midlife-share-the-love-party-127


This post has been shared at A Themed Linkup 21 for Photos and Videos- JULY 15 TO 19



Excited and delighted! This post that appeared at the link party above is featured at a new linkup party called A Themed Linkup 22 for Crafts and DIY.

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..

Tucson Travel or Colorful Staycation

Tucson Gem Show Beauty and Fun

This post has been shared at blogging-grandmothers-link-party-37

This post has been shared at Midlife Share the Love Party

This post has been shared at pin-junkie-pin-party-313

Tucson Travel or Colorful Staycation

I notice when I'm outdoors exploring interesting things, I get plenty of exercise, benefit from breathing fresh air, and have fun too. 

Post updated 2/20/21

I invite you along to entertain and maybe even inspire you to travel to Tucson. I love winter here, because there's so many walking, hiking, and biking trails as well as entertainment and cultural events galore.

The color palette of my southwestern city delights me. These post is the result of combining my love for color and desire to maintain good health by taking a staycation right here in Tucson.

The pictures capture things I enjoyed seeing the most! 

Holiday Decorations Were Everywhere

My husband and I noticed the Hotel Congress was Celebrating its 100th birthday in 2019
Link for Today at the Hotel Congress

New Apartment Building Tucson

Yoga is Popular in Tucson

Mosaic In Downtown Tucson. See Additional Mosaics Here

Although there are many good restaurants in Tucson, my husband and I used to love eating at the Tasteful Kitchen. On this day, after we went home to shower and change our clothes, this is what we ordered. They are no longer open as a restaurant, and you can learn more about what they are doing now by checking out the link below.

Nancy Andres and a Color-rich Salad at the Tasteful Kitchen

Mushroom Wellington from the Tasteful Kitchen

Eggplant Parmesan from Tasteful Kitchen

Hope you enjoyed this armchair visit to Tucson. Before you go, see my closing photo and links to additional reading.

Why not plan to see the awesome colors of Tucson soon? Enjoy the sights during the day, and take in the gorgeous colors of the desert at sunset.

For additional posts about Arizona see:

colorful-tasty-tucson-tacos

walk-with-me-in-tucson

great-reasons-to-travel-to-flagstaff-az

wordless-wednesday-tucson-street-art

beauty-healing-from-red-rocks-of-sedona

tucson visitor information


I appreciate your interest in Colors 4 Health. 

Have questions about what you see? Please comment, but don't put links in it. I won't be able to publish it that way. 

If you like what you see, share on social media with a link back to this post.

If you want to see more of good stuff about colors and a healthy lifestyle, please visit Nancy Andres' Website.

For your information, my blogging routine is to post on the 1st and 15th. Please come back again!



This post has been shared at pretty-pintastic-party-243/

This post has been shared at sweet-inspiration-link-party-139

Beauty, Healing from Red Rocks of Sedona

Sedona red rock formations are breathtaking. One of the reasons this is so, is the rocks exhibit a vibrant red and orange glow at sunrise and sunset.  This place's natural majesty is easy to see and feel. All you need to do is show up and be present, any day or time during the year. 

How did the rocks get that way? Layers of sandstone and limestone were left in the area by a receding ocean. Over the span of millions of years, iron oxide coated the grains of sandstone, and eventually rust was formed.

Visitors to Sedona can enjoy endless hiking and mountain biking trails in and around the rocks, on 300+ miles of trails.

If exploring the terrain is your desire, purchase a Red Rock Pass. It covers the cost of parking and trail use. 

Many who travel to Sedona have found they feel inspired, recharged, and uplifted by the special vortex energy here.

A vortex is a place where the earth seems especially alive with energy. Top on the list of strong vortex sites in Sedona are Bell Rock, Airport Mesa Vortex, Boynton Canyon, and Cathedral Rock.

Sedona is a mecca for energy healers, yogis, spiritual guides, Reiki masters, massage therapists, crystal healers, Shamans, artists, writers, those who seek help, and appreciate its beauty.

See more at Sedona Tourism Bureau.

My husband and I explored Sedona a little more than a week ago. It was a wonderful opportunity to disconnect from electronic devices and set aside the cares of the world.

It turned out to a boon for my outlook, as I mindfully took in the Red Rock grandeur.

My personal experience shows traveling to a new environment, seeing sights, and temporarily jumping off the treadmill of striving, refreshed my mind, body, and spirit. 

Being more active than I am when I'm writing, spending quality time with my loved one, and learning new things, made me feel happy and at peace.

Time away from work, home, and family responsibilities, is a simple way to improve physical and mental health. It sure proved to be that way for me.

Studies show that those who take time out to vacation, often report come back to their regular life, feeling more productive and effective, and this is a win-win.

One study that tested men who were already at risk for heart disease, highlights cardiovascular health benefits of taking a vacation. 

Even if you don't feel energized by the red rocks of Sedona, I'm sure you'll agree each rock formation is a magnificent natural wonder. 

At lunchtime, I enjoyed this delicious salad at a totally organic restaurant, Chocola Tree in West Sedona. The address is 1595 W. State Rte. 89A and phone is 928-282-2997. 

Notice those cases of handmade chocolates and desserts in the background. Yum, yum.

Right next door to Chocola Tree is a neat bookstore I want to share with you. 

The Literate Lizard Bookstore is an Independent Sedona Bookstore, located at 1575 W. State Rte. 89A (phone 928-325-2971). It's a cozy place to browse and shop for adult and children's titles, as well as local interest books, and journals including Colors of Joy. 

The Literate Lizard Bookstore in Sedona Carries Colors of Joy

Yearn to feel inspired, recharged, and uplifted, during your vacation or back at home? A simple way to do that is to pick up your copy of Colors of Joy: A Woman's Guide for Self-Discovery, Balance, and Bliss.

Colors of Joy offers tips to reduce stress, boost vitality, and spark delight through color themed journal writing activities, affirmations, and ideas for enhanced self-care.

Enjoy Colors of Joy at your own pace, and observe how its reflective exercises heal you, support you, and enhance daily living.

Colors of Joy Features Journal Activities to Make You Feel Beautiful Inside and Out!

Purchase an Autographed Copy Here

Purchase Colors of Joy at One of These Fine Shops, 

or Order it through PayPal

Before you go, don't forget to comment. Have you been to Sedona or another place with red rocks? Please explain. 

Do you like to see and do new things on vacation?  Where's your favorite place to visit?

Certain natural wonders like mountains, boulders, forests, oceans, and fields have vortex energy. Do you believe this? 

Try to focus on colors in nature, and visualize them to restore and renew your spirit. 😁

This post has been shared at make-it-pretty-monday-week-262. My post is #58

This post has been shared at traffic-jam-weekend-linky-party-155

This post has been shared at Words on Wednesday, the Linky Party for Writers

This post has been shared at sweet-inspiration-link-party-118

This post has been shared at this-is-how-we-roll-link-party-176

This post has been shared at The Inspire Me Monday Community - Week 342 My Post is #74

This post has been shared at over-the-moon-134

This post has been shared at dishing-it-digging-it-link-party-211

This post has been shared at happiness-is-homemade #231