Just a short drive from Florence, Arizona, lies one of the Southwest’s true treasures—the Boyce Thompson Arboretum. For plant lovers, gardeners, and anyone who enjoys exploring the beauty of desert landscapes, this destination is an unforgettable day trip. With its diverse plant collections, scenic trails, and seasonal blooms, the arboretum is both an educational experience and a source of inspiration for landscape design in Florence and San Tan Valley.
A Living Museum of Plants
Established in 1924, the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is Arizona’s oldest and largest botanical garden. Covering over 300 acres, the arboretum showcases plants from deserts all over the world, blending the beauty of Arizona’s native plants with species from Africa, Australia, and South America.
Highlights include:
- Desert Succulents: Towering agaves, spiny aloes, and colorful desert wildflowers.
- Global Arid Species: Plants from Australia and Madagascar that thrive in hot, dry climates similar to Arizona.
- Cacti Collection: From massive saguaros to rare barrel cactus varieties.
- Tree Groves: Ironwood, mesquite, and blue palo verde trees provide shade and habitat.
For homeowners interested in drought-tolerant landscaping, the arboretum offers endless ideas for sustainable planting.
Best Times to Visit
While the arboretum is open year-round, certain seasons offer extra beauty:
- Spring (March–April): Wildflowers, cactus blooms, and flowering shrubs put on a spectacular show.
- Fall (October–November): Cooler temperatures make it perfect for long walks through the gardens.
- Winter: A quiet season to enjoy desert evergreens and migratory bird spotting.
🌼 Tip: Arrive early in the morning for softer light and cooler weather—perfect for plant photography.
Travel Itinerary from Florence
One of the best parts about visiting the Boyce Thompson Arboretum is its proximity to Florence, AZ:
- From downtown Florence, head north on AZ-79 toward Superior.
- Merge onto US-60 East, and the arboretum entrance will appear just west of the town of Superior.
- Travel time: Around 35 minutes—an easy half-day or full-day trip.
Pair your arboretum visit with lunch in Superior or a quick detour to explore the nearby Picketpost Mountain trails.
Why Locals Love It
The arboretum isn’t just for tourists—it’s a place where locals from Florence, San Tan Valley, and Queen Creek reconnect with Arizona’s desert beauty. Gardeners can take notes on plant pairings, bloom cycles, and water-wise landscaping strategies that translate directly into home landscape projects.
About Franciscan Landscape
At Franciscan Landscape, we’re inspired by the beauty of Arizona’s desert plants—whether it’s the saguaro cactus, ocotillo, or the resilient blue palo verde. Serving San Tan Valley and Florence, AZ, we specialize in landscape design, installation, and maintenance that celebrates the region’s natural heritage while creating sustainable, water-wise outdoor living spaces.
🌐 Visit us at FranciscanLandscape.com
📞 Call us today at 480-382-8832 for a free consultation.
Franciscan Landscape 