Desert Botanical Garden and Chihuly

Earlier this month my husband and I grabbed five days from our busy schedule (that would be employment and self-employment :-) -- and went to Arizona to visit friends.  Co-worker had repeated said, "you should come visit" and so we called their bluff and did.   I warned her that once we blaze a trail somewhere, we are likely to return. 

We flew into Sky Harbor International Airport in the morning.  What a great name for an airport.  Sky Harbor -- evokes the feeling of airborne adventurous clipper ships silhouetted against the setting sun.  But before heading northwest toward our vacation destination, we took a side trip to the Desert Botanical Gardens.  If we lived in the area we would definitely become members.  Not only did I and my gardener husband love the displays of plants, but we also got to see several new birds.  We have photos of the garden, but not many of the birds.  Birds are notoriously uncooperative at sitting still for photo shoots.  But in addition to the artistic plantings and resident birds, Seattle glass artist Dale Chihuly had an exhibit there at the same time.  It was almost like home away from home. 

 This was the first piece of artwork we came to after entering the garden. The gift shop and restaurant -- very good food -- is in the background.  There are several long paths and at first it was hard to decide which way to go.  These few photos do tend to highlight some of the glass art but the art does seem to mimic some of the textures of the plants. 

  I'm not sure which of the two above would be the worst to run into!  The glass or the cactus. . . .

 

 The weather was wonderful.  Nice and warm -- high 70's low 80's. 

 So dramatic!

 I think these pink glass lilies -- or whatever they are meant to be -- are my favorites! Probably have to take out a second mortgage on the house!  I would love to have those in my yard!

 More garden

 This was probably a good 12 feet high - maybe more.  As we wound up the hillside, it was nearly always in view. 

 I don't know if there is a name for this exhibit, but to me they look like egrets!  At least these birds stood still for photos ~

 This floating exhibit was not particularly one of my favorites, but the funniest thing here was the little Mallard Duck couple heavy into working toward achieving ducklings - not caught on film.  They looked a little embarrassed when we noticed them and Mrs. Mallard tried to look nonchalant!

 Looking down toward the previous exhibit

 More garden plantings

After a few passes through the garden we found ourselves back at the beginning.  We were probably at the garden about 5 hours.  It was wonderful to see plants, birds and glass and we particularly enjoyed the warmth and lack of rain!