The Green Valley Gardeners maintains a number of gardens that the public can visit to learn more about plant life in the desert southwest.
The Arid Garden was established in 1986. This is a 1-acre demonstration garden of primarily native and desert-adapted plants located just off Camino Encanto. This is a small intimate garden that provides plant information for community residents exploring options for their personal landscapes. A great place for new residents to learn about local plants ~ most plants in this garden are labeled. This garden is not gated and open to the public at no charge. Volunteers are available on Friday morning to answer questions.
The Allen J. Ogden Community Garden was established in 1983. Plots are available to club members for vegetable gardening. The Garden is also used for school gardening programs and educational events for adults. This garden is located in Sahuarita off Santa Rita Road. The garden is surrounded by a cyclone fence and gates are locked. You can see into the garden and are welcome to enter when plot holders have the gates open.
The Desert Meadows Park was established in 2014. This is a 4-acre park open to the public. The park is located on the historic Anza Trail providing a rest stop for people using the trail for hiking, biking and jogging. The park is certified as an arboretum and is popular with both residents and tourists. The park includes a 60-plot community garden, 5 picnic areas and a variety of demonstration gardens. Very popular for birding and dog walking. This park is not gated and open to the public at no charge.
Demonstration gardens at the Historic Canoa Ranch were begun in 2012. This is a collaborative project with Pima County, established when the county opened this ranch to the public. Garden club volunteers have reproduced gardens, an orchard and landscaping that would have existed when operated as a family-owned ranch. The ranch is a popular tourist attraction in the area ~ bird watching, dog walking, and a bit of Sonoran history. Check the Pima County website for hours.