Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona

Before driving back to Phoenix, we visited The Arboretum at Flagstaff, a 200-acre facility that includes gardens, greenhouses, and open spaces. The gardens were small but lovely:

Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona
Arboretum

 

Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona
Arboretum

 

Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona
Catmint (Nepeta × faassenii)

While Flagstaff is only a few hours north of Phoenix, that more northern latitude, plus the 7150′ elevation of The Arboretum, makes a huge difference in the types of plants that can thrive there. One shouldn’t expect to see Catmint or Golden marjoram in the 115 degree summers of Phoenix.

Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona
Golden marjoram (Origanum onites)
There was a boardwalk through the open area, affording views of the San Francisco Peaks.
Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona
Open area at Arboretum

Shaina took my camera, and apparently this is what I look like from the perspective of a 5-year-old:

Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona
Charles

This is what Batya and Shaina look like from my perspective:

Arboretum, Flagstaff, Arizona
Batya and Shaina

It was an enjoyable end-of-summer trip to Flagstaff.