While in Palm Springs, we popped into the Moorten Botanical Garden, a privately owned arboretum on the Moortens' residence estate. It's also called Desertland; a living museum of desert plants and crystals, rocks and fossils, established in 1938. The Moorten's promise you'll see rare plants not commonly seen elsewhere; "Over 3,000 plant varieties!" It did not disappoint.
I was instantly taken with the obvious decades upon decades of growth on these slow growing plants. To walk along the paths, it is clear that you are enjoying more than one person's life passion. It's humble, authentic, informative and spectacular all at the same time.
I've never seen such intricate design, such desert plant beauty all in one place before. I was especially taken with the colors (what else is new with me, right?) and (you guessed it I'm sure) the color combinations. I was stimulated by the soft, dulcet hues of the softest blues, greys and greens, especially when combined with soft pinks, peaches, faded orange....and some strong shots of those colors too on occasion:
The plants and pots in the "cactarium"...I want to paint with just these colors, I can feel how soothing it would be just imagining it.
All that color and shape and gardening inspiration for a $4.00 entry fee...I'll definitely be going back again in the future. I can't believe I've never been before! Have you? It felt like stumbling upon a secret Palm Springs gem, but since it's been there since 1938, it can't be that big of a secret. Mary Ann has some beautiful photos taken during our visit there on this post here...it's fun to see what caught her eye too!
