Few people outside the Southwest associate the desert with colorful flowers. The Sonoran Desert is a precious biosphere of plant life. The following public Phoenix gardens give you an up-close-and-personal introduction without having to embark on a wilderness expedition.

Phoenix Desert Botanical Gardens

Located on Phoenix’s east side on North Galvin Parkway, the Desert Botanical Gardens have been teaching and inspiring visitors to protect and preserve the desert’s natural beauty for more than 70 years. Today, 65 of its 145 acres are under cultivation, showcasing more than 50,000 plant displays.

The facility offers self-guided tours, guided walks, classes for every age and skill level, hands-on demonstrations, and unique adventures. On any given Sunday, you’ll hear an eclectic mix of jazz, flamenco, blues, soul, folk and more during their popular concert series.

The garden is a leader in horticultural research and species and habitat conservation, making it one of only 44 botanical gardens accredited by the American Association of Museums. To see what’s new and what’s blooming, call 480-941-1225. Admission charged; children under 3 are free.

Japanese Friendship Garden

Created in conjunction with Phoenix’s sister city of Himeji, “Ro Ho En” is an authentic three-and-a-half acre Japanese Stroll Garden, tea garden and tea house offering tea ceremonies.

This tranquil setting, located on North Third Avenue, features stone footbridges, lanterns, and more than 50 varieties of desert-tolerant plants. Water features include flowing streams, a 12-foot waterfall, and a Koi pond with over 300 colorful fish.

Fun fact: Ro Ho En is a combination of three Japanese words: Ro, meaning “heron,” is the symbol of Himeji City. “Ho” is the word for the mythical phoenix bird, and “En” means garden. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Admission is charged for this Phoenix garden jewel; children 12 and under are free. For more information about tours, art events, or for tea ceremony reservations, call 602-256-3204.

Steele Indian School Park

The city of Phoenix has transformed this site of a late 19th century Indian school into a combination historic site, Native American educational experience, and green refuge for city dwellers.

The park’s 15-acre Entry Garden features a spiraling walkway that gradually descends down into the earth; the trail is meant for contemplation and meditation. Native American poems are etched into the concrete, and native desert plants adorn the path as it winds its way toward a cistern at the end of the trail.

Located on East Indian School Road, the park is open dawn to dusk daily. 602- 495-0739