Boyce Thompson gets the "" Mr. Sancona Treatment ".. Pt. #1 of... A hidden Palmy Oasis

[Silas_Sancona]

As hinted at over in the " weather section " spent a warm late February day exploring the only Botanical Garden, beside Tucson Botanical, i hadn't yet visited since moving here.  I'd planned to, sooner.. but, sometimes plans get completely de-railed. With the clock ticking before i head back " over the hill " to CA., let alone the return of the heat, now was the time to head east.  On top of seeing the general garden, was most excited to view a newer section of the garden which has been " in the works " for several years after Boyce Thompson rescued a rather extensive collection of rare ..and extremely rare plants  housed at the former Wallace Garden in Scottsdale.

After his passing, and the subsequent dwindling of funds to keep his garden going, a sort of " S.O.S." was sent out to gardens around the valley/region who might be able to absorb a whole 'lotta plants.. Most quite large.  Fortunately, BTA ( Boyce Thompson Arboretum ) answered the call in a big way, trucking hundreds of massive Cacti, Yucca, and various other things to their garden. Over the course of several years, they worked to create an exceptional display of Mr. Wallace's collection.  A definite must visit -for any one-..

For those not yet familiar with Boyce, this isn't your usual Botanical Garden.. it is also a State park, nestled in the foothills east of Phoenix, just a stones throw from Superior, Arizona.  Garden itself sits below/ in front of Picketpost Mountain, a prominent peak just south of the Superstitions, which makes for some incredible views while exploring the garden. Plenty of wide, easy to roam trails, and some that require a little more huff.. Nothing too crazy though, unless one decides they want to take on Picketpost..  ( there's another access point to the mountain, west of the Arboretum i believe )

Even more interesting is the wide diversity of plants that can grow here. ( The garden's elevation sits at roughly 2,441ft in elevation, and they see varying amounts of snow from time to time some winters. ) While well known for their Australian garden ( It is HUGE ) ..and their collection of Cacti/Succulents, there is PLENTY to see here.. I clocked 388 images, and didn't get to explore a couple collections in the garden.. and my camera was just about exhausted when i headed back home.

Unlike many threads i have done over the years, starting the series here since, unlike Desert Botanical,  BTA boasts a decent palm collection worth sharing..  While familiar enough with palms, if anyone sees something i miss- labeled, feel free to chime in..  and, as usual **all pictures are my own. If anyone wants to share on other sites, absolutely do not mind.. but, let me know -first.-**

 Anyway, enough chit chat..   ..onto some palmy pictures.. ( plenty more to come, of other things, in other sections of the forum )
   

 

[Silas_Sancona]

Sabal sp. as you approach the Tropical Garden:


Brahea sp.


Chamaerops..


Phoenix dactylifera, kind of hidden..


Brahea dulcis


Sabal uresana, i believe


Teeny weeny Brahea armata.. There's another much larger one lurking behind a tree behind teeny weeny..


Nanarrhops..




and ..a Jubaea?..

[Silas_Sancona]

Palm Grove.. and beyond..

What greets you, as you exit part of the Australian Garden..


Phoenix canariensis


LOTS o' Phoenix.... looking really good too.




Snakey Chamaerops


Sabal Minor


Rhapidophyllum, i think..



Butia and Phoenix  Were a couple Queens in the garden as well but both looked like **s..

[Silas_Sancona]

Nanarrhops along the south side of the trail that circles Magma Ridge..


Sorta-wild Phoenix across Queen Creek


Peek-a-boo Washingtonia r's


Ayer Lake Phoenix


Livingstonia sp. in the Australian Garden






Another Nanarrhops, i think.. Fronds are very big. Not something i recall when viewing some other specimens.. ( probably overlooked.. or my brain forgot, lol )









.....Onto ...all sorts of other goodies......   Enjoy!

[Josue Diaz]

3 hours ago, Silas_Sancona said:

Nanarrhops along the south side of the trail that circles Magma Ridge..


Sorta-wild Phoenix across Queen Creek


Peek-a-boo Washingtonia r's


Ayer Lake Phoenix


Livingstonia sp. in the Australian Garden






Another Nanarrhops, i think.. Fronds are very big. Not something i recall when viewing some other specimens.. ( probably overlooked.. or my brain forgot, lol )









.....Onto ...all sorts of other goodies......   Enjoy!

super cool to think that if humans ever went extinct, some of these might actually thrive in Phoenix. The nanarrhops and Phoenix, as well as the others fit into the surrounding landscape so well. 

[Fusca]

5 hours ago, Josue Diaz said:

super cool to think that if humans ever went extinct, some of these might actually thrive in Phoenix.

How would we ever know?  

[Silas_Sancona]

7 hours ago, Josue Diaz said:

super cool to think that if humans ever went extinct, some of these might actually thrive in Phoenix. The nanarrhops and Phoenix, as well as the others fit into the surrounding landscape so well. 

Phoenix would for sure, esp. along the rivers..  For whatever reason, Nanarrhops are practically unknown in the Valley.. Should be much more commonly planted/ offered for sale.

2 hours ago, Fusca said:

How would we ever know?  

Ultimately, you know someone would survive, lol..  Who would they tell though, a Volleyball

[Xerarch]

Boyce Thompson is awesome