On March 29th, several members of the gardening club’s cactus and succulent sub-group traveled to the University of Arizona for a guided tour of the Joseph Wood Krutch Garden. Located near the center of campus by Old Main, the garden contains predominately plants that are native to the Sonoran Desert. This garden, along with the university itself, was started in 1891. The garden was once quite expansive, at one time containing over 600 specimens of plants. Since that time, it's been moved several times and downsized, often to accommodate growth of the university.

The University of Arizona’s campus covers nearly 400 acres and holds a variety of interesting plants. Pima County Master Gardeners offer six different campus tours, each focusing on a specific type of plant including trees of the world, edible plants, and plants with medicinal properties. The Sonoran Desert plants tour was chosen, given the special interest of this group.

The SaddleBrooke group was met by four Master Gardeners who served as their hosts and tour guides. The Master Gardeners were extremely knowledgeable as they highlighted twenty-five Sonoran native plants located in the garden. While the gardening club group enjoyed seeing all the plants, of particular delight was the Cochal cactus in full bloom and covered in small pale-yellow flowers. A Boojum tree, native to Baja California and considered to be an endangered species, was also a treat. While most Tucsonans can easily recognize an ocotillo, this garden also has a tree ocotillo, a species that is not quite so familiar. Saguaros are another type of cacti that are instantly recognizable, but the group learned that another type of cacti is often confused with a Saguaro. The Cardon cactus is so similar in appearance that it may fool you. However, the guides pointed out a couple of key differences. While a Cardon may have several branches emerging from ground-level, a Saguaro will have a single trunk, with any branching happening much higher on the trunk. Also, while a Saguaro’s spines point slightly downward, a Cardon’s point straight out.

Filled with education, the enjoyment of nature and a beautiful campus, and the camaraderie of fellow gardeners, this was a day that will not be quickly forgotten.

For more information about all the SaddleBrooke Gardening Club upcoming events, garden tours, membership hand club monthly gatherings, visit https://SBGardeningClub.weebly.com.

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