The Gardens at Arid Zone Trees
The demonstration and evaluation garden at Arid Zone Trees (AZT) is an award winning, 10 acre landscape that includes descriptive information, a trail system, unique hardscape elements, plazas/seating areas and tree species from the deserts of North and South America, Africa, Australia and Asia.
The garden was designed by Steve Martino, FASLA and initial construction was completed in 1996. Since then the garden has evolved and expanded under the direction and design of AZT’s owner Cliff Douglas. Martino’s landscape envelopes the striking architecture of AZT’s office, designed by John Douglas, FAIA. The building and garden combine to create a singular and unique celebration of the Sonoran desert. The success of this integration can easily be seen in the countless desert birds, mammals and reptiles that call the garden home. What once had been a cotton field is now a habitat for quail, roadrunner, hummingbird, javelina, kit fox, cottontail rabbit, jack rabbit, coyote, and many other bird and reptile species.
Since 1996, the garden at AZT has become a visual and educational resource for landscape architect, architecture students, landscape contractors, photographers and plant enthusiasts and has been visited by horticultural professionals from all over the world. Martino, Douglas and Arid Zone Trees have received local, regional and national awards for this remarkable project, including (Arizona ASLA Honor Award, and Valley Forward Crescordia Award). Approximately 50% of the electric energy used by the office is provided from a rooftop solar system, and the garden irrigation system is solar powered.
The garden is intended as a educational resource for landscape professionals seeking information and inspiration. It is available to landscape architects, contractors, municipalities and their clients (we ask that a landscape professional accompany their clients during tours of the garden). If you would like to arrange a tour of the gardens at AZT please contact Kevin at kevin@aridzonetrees.com (480-987-9094) or Ed at ed@aridzonetrees.com (480-318-9425).
The photos below offer a brief overview of the gardens, trail system and hardscapes. Enjoy.
