Daily 11:00 a.m. Guided Tours
Few visitors know the Arboretum as well as our well-trained corps of resident park host volunteers. Every day this winter (through April 30) they'll share their knowledge of plants, animals, and natural history on guided walking tours at 11 am. Have you pondered the history of that bell hanging over the entrance to the Smith Building, or wondered why we don't have He-oaks to accompany our She-oaks? Did you know we used to have Galapagos tortoises and an alligator in the 1920's? How tall is Mr. Big? Join us this weekend for your chance to learn even more with Howard, Sandy, Kate and other engaging BTA resident volunteers on a guided 11am tour.
Language Of Flowers Valentines Weekend Flower Show February 11 - 14
flower show opens during business hours from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Flowers, chocolates and jewelry -- we have it all here for a memorable Valentines Weekend date. See, smell and photograph a wide array of flowering plants, cut flowers and exotic blossoms from Saturday through Tuesday when our Smith Building Lecture Room will be transformed by the fragrant, colorful Language of Flowers exhibit -- with signs near each plant telling you about the ancient meaning of that particular flower -- or its meaning when given in a bouquet with other blossoms. Baker and candy-maker Jerry Temanson (an Arboretum member whose chocolate covered cherries were a hit here on Thanksgiving weekend), will sell a variety of custom chocolates and will also give away samples both days of the weekend. San Tan Valley artist Barbara Pohan will exhibit and sell her unique handmade jewelry, too. Much of her work is in turquoise and in honor of Arizona's this weekend she will also have peridot and other native Arizona gemstones. Barb's also a BTA annual member - and generously donates a portion of her sales to support the Arboretum.
Camera Basics Photo Class With Tom Boggan Saturday February 11 at 8:30 a.m.
EDITOR'S NOTE: one space remained as of Monday
Do you have a fancy new digital SLR, or even a digital point-and-shoot camera that you're eager to learn to use more effectively? Sign up for this Saturday morning 'walk-a-bout' photo workshop with Scottsdale artist Tom Boggan. Dress warm, mornings can be chilly - but they're also the time for optimal sunlight. Tom's once-a-month outdoor shoots help improve your camera skills on a relaxed morning outing surrounded by beautiful gardens and alongside a pro -- and with plenty of chances to ask questions about the dials, settings and controls on your own camera. Pro photographer Tom Boggan has a talent for portraits and a passion for nature photography, and he generously volunteers by dedicating a weekend morning each month to be here helping our visitors improve their camera skills. Workshops with Tom are limited to eight students. Pre-payment of $29 is required ($20 for BTA annual members). Enroll by phone, have your credit card ready and call our staff at 520-689-2723. Check out this
gallery of images from Tom Boggan Photo Classes at Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Join us for a chance to improve your basic photography skills, including composition, lighting and exposure -- and for one-on-one time with Tom helping students understand the different between aperture, exposure and light balance. View other workshop images on the Tom Boggan Arboretum Flickr Gallery.
Edible
and Medicinal Desert Plants Guided Walk February 11 at 1:30 p.m. With Mike Hills
Tours at 1:30 p.m.; repeat March 10 and 25