Prickly, fleshy, weird and strangely beautiful: cacti and succulents are some of the most unusual-looking plants in the world.
You can get a first-hand look at thousands of unique, desert-loving plants this summer at Tucson's Tohono Chul Park during the garden's popular Monsoon Madness Plant Sale.
During the event, plant-lovers from Tucson and beyond gather to buy and sell thousands of native and near-native desert plants. It's a great opportunity to pick up a low-maintenance house plant or to learn more about some of the world's most unusual-looking plants.
Highly unusual cacti and succulents will be for sale at Tohono Chul Park's Monsoon Madness Plant Sale — Photo courtesy of Tohono Chul Park
One of the most popular draws during the sale are the rare and exotic cacti, succulents and agaves available for purchase. Shoppers get an eyeful of wacky, weird and bizarre-looking plants that you won't find at your local nursery.
The plant sale also includes a mix of euphorbias (flowering plants); desert shrubs; ground cover; herbs; and even vines.
Of course, you'll need some place to house your new plants. Plenty of colorful, hand-crafted pots and planters will be on sale during the event inside the garden's greenhouse.
The Monsoon Madness event is more than just a plant sale: it's also a place for gardeners and growers to mingle with fellow desert plant enthusiasts.
There will be more than 20 specialty growers gathered under the garden's Sonoran Seasons Garden's ramadas to spotlight their most unusual plants and answer questions from shoppers. Expert gardeners will also be on hand to answer questions about how to help your new plants thrive.
Exotic cacti and succulents will be on sale during Tohono Chul Park's summer Monsoon Madness Plant Sale — Photo courtesy of Tohono Chul Park
The plant sale offers a good opportunity to explore Tohono Chul Park, which is located on 49 acres of lush desert in northwest Tucson. The botanical garden has more than 150 species of shrubs and trees; 300 species of cacti and succulents; and 50 species of wildflowers.
Some of the garden's attractions include a lively hummingbird garden; desert palm oasis; a children's garden; low water usage demonstration garden; a desert living courtyard; art galleries; a greenhouse that doubles as a retail plant shop; and a gourmet garden bistro.
Common wildlife sightings at the park include desert tortoises, lizards, jackrabbits and rare birds like cardinals.
Before you head out to the garden, be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a water bottle and dab on some sunscreen.
The annual sale will be held in 2015 at Tohono Chul on Friday, July 24, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and also on Saturday, July 25, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The park offers free admission to the garden during the annual sale.
