History
TBG, an oasis of beautiful plants for over 50 years, did not start out as a public garden. It was originally the home of Rutger and Bernice Porter. In 1968 Bernice donated the property to the City of Tucson with the stipulation that it become a botanical garden. In 1974 the City of Tucson and the Tucson Botanical Gardens began jointly administering the property. TBG promotes responsible and appropriate use of plants and water in a desert enviroment through education and demonstration and provides a place of beauty and tranquility for Tucson residents and visitors.
Specialties
About the Gardens: Designated America's Best Secret Garden by Reader's Digest, Tucson Botanical Gardens is a 5 1/2 acre collection of 17 specialty gardens tucked in the heart of Tucson. Featured are residentially-scaled gardens; seasonal-live butterfly exhibit; rotating art exhibitions; youth and adult education, an eclectic gift shop; Cafe Botanica eatery, as well as special events.