by Nick Bianco

Created on: July 28, 2009   Last Updated: January 31, 2010

The Chihuahuan Desert Gardens, located on the campus of the University of Texas at El Paso, is a botanical masterpiece dedicated to the flora of the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding regions. The Chihuahuan Gardens were dedicated in September of 1999 and currently contain over 625 different species of plants native to Texas and Mexico, thus comprising one of the largest and most impressive collections of Chihuahuan Desert flora in the entire world.

The Garden Plan consists of 15 uniquely distinct areas. These are some of the highlights:

Desert Shrub Garden- This area showcases the shrubby plants native to the local desert areas. Tarbush, cresotebush, and turpentine bush capture the very essence of the Chihuahuan Desert. This garden is located adjacent to the Museum parking lot and serves as an introduction to the garden's visitors.

Contemplative Garden- This garden is a flowery oasis filled with Desert Columbine, Rose Mallow, and Indian Blanket. The centerpiece of this garden is a unique drip fountain, which provides the soothing music of falling water.

Amphitheatre Garden- The 100-seat Amphitheater was built to host ceremonies and lectures. It contains a western soapberry tree, rosewoods, and Mexican buckeye. Over 40 species of native plants are displayed in the Amphitheatre Garden, such as honey mesquite, desert willows, and sumacs.

Grass Garden- The Grass Garden displays the types of ornamental grasses that can be found in the desert. These grasses include sideoats, blue gramma, sun drops, gay feather, cone flower and wine cup blooms.

Sensory Garden- The Sensory Garden was designed to delight the senses of human visitors, as well as the many hummingbirds and butterflies who call the garden home. Chocolate Daisy, Mexican Marigold, and Mexican Oregano are just some of the fragrant flowers found here.

Sierra Garden- This garden features plants from the western portion of the Chihuahuan Desert. Sonoran kidneywood, prince's plume, mesquite, and other hearty species of flora can be found here. Most of these species are drought-resistant, making them a favorite for gardeners and landscapers.

Bhutanese Prayer Wheel- Designed and constructed by El Paso carpenter Bruce Thacker, this is a working prayer wheel constructed using traditional Bhutanese methods. This impressive wooden structure was constructed without the use of a single nail.

The gardens are located on the grounds of the Centennial Museum with the main gardens lying to the west and southwest of the museum building. The museum, of course, is part of the University of Texas at El Paso campus, located at 500 West University Avenue. Admission to the Chihuahuan Desert Gardens (along with the neighboring Centennial Museum) is free, making it the perfect way to spend a day in the beautiful El Paso area.

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