The Desert Museum in Arizona offers an incredible blend of nature, art, and history. During my visit, I was captivated by the stunning variety of cacti, unique stones, and thoughtfully designed garden spaces. While the animal enclosures were well-done, I was particularly drawn to the museum's natural areas and plant-focused exhibits. The integration of art into the entrances of themed gardens—such as the pollinator, herb, agave, and cacti gardens—added a creative touch that enhanced the experience. Exploring the diverse floral beds and learning about the property’s history was especially inspiring, making it a truly memorable visit.

After hearing Nick Shipley speak at the Independent Breeders Conference and having the chance to chat with him over lunch, I was eager to visit one of his properties while I was in the area. My family kindly drove me to his nursery, where we spent time wandering through the grounds. I was captivated by the variety of fruit trees, multi-grafted specimens, agaves, and the ocotillo fence panels—a feature I wish could thrive in the Front Range climate.

The nursery boasted an impressive array of flowering plants, thriving in the prime spring growing season before the onset of the region’s extreme heat. It was a delight to explore the space, and we even experienced a refreshing rainstorm, taking shelter in one of the indoor greenhouses. The visit left me inspired by the range of plants and the thoughtful way they were displayed.