Desert plants are typically thought to be dry, plain, and boring that most of us would not notice nor appreciate. But desert plants are far more than this. They help promote the formation and concentration of essential minerals and moderate Earth’s intricate temperature. At Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden, desert plants are extensively exhibited through beautiful and creative arrangements and landscapes, bringing to a moment of peace and ultimate bliss.
About Ethel M’s Botanical Cactus Garden
While a small confection factory named Ethel M Chocolates remains very popular in Henderson, it also highlights the largest Botanical Cactus Garden in Nevada. This breathtaking three-acre Botanical Cactus Garden is likewise one of the world’s most prolific and high-volume cactus garden collections. It features over 300 species of drought-tolerant ornamentals, cacti, and other succulents. Approximately half of these plants, which are cacti and succulents, are mostly native to the American Southwest. The other half, composed of desert trees and shrubs, are from the Southwestern United States, Australia, and South America.
Brimming with beauty, Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden purposely chose plants that exhibit attractive and striking floral arrangements and adapt to Southern Nevada’s climate. The desert plants are passionately and creatively landscaped to create an atmosphere of love, peace, and contentment as you tour around the garden.
Moreover, the Botanical Cactus Garden’s sustainability is top-notch. While you roam around the garden, you will witness the efficient use of a demonstration wastewater treatment facility called a “Living Machine.” Without using chemicals, this facility recycles 100 percent of the chocolate factory’s wastewater through bacteria, algae, protozoa, snails, and fish. The recycled water is then used to hydrate the plants and fill their ponds to attract a variety of local birds that inhabit the garden.
Ethel M’s Cactus Collection
If you are fond of collecting and visiting arid desert plant exhibits, be stunned by more than 300 cactus and succulent species that make Ethel M’s Botanical Cactus Garden the largest collection of its kind in Nevada and one of the biggest in the world.
Ethel M’s collection includes the following:
The giant saguaro (Carnegiea gigantea), Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens), Prickly pears and chollas (Opuntia), Beavertail Cactus (Opuntia basilaris), Teddy bear cholla (Opuntia bigelovii), Bishop’s Cap Cactus (Astrophytum myriostigma), Clumping hedgehogs (Echinocereus), Compass barrel cactus, Fish hook barrels (Echinocactus wislizeni), Red barrel cactus (Ferocactus pilosus), Mesquite (Prosopis chilensis), Twisted acacia, Desert willow (Chilopsis linearis)
Festivities
The most celebrated annual cactus garden lighting in Nevada is held at Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden during November and December. During this holiday season, you will see an ultimately stunning transformation of the garden before your very eyes. From the regular beautiful botanical garden view to a fairytale-like winter wonderland filled with lights, festive decorations, Santa visits, and carolers, the garden is a must-see attraction for your “sweet” and magical experience.
Throughout the years, Ethel M’s Botanical Cactus Garden hosts and houses several community activities, celebrations, and special and private events. The cactus garden gives you free admission during the holiday season. Also, there is no charge for self-guided visits, while guided tours of the garden and chocolate factory cost an entry fee.
With the most extensive cactus collection and a remarkable cactus exhibit, Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden has maintained its popularity for more than three decades now and has since continued to amaze the world with enjoyable leisurely strolls and captivating view of the botanical desert terrain.
How to Reach Them
Ethel M Botanical Cactus Garden is open every day, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. The garden is located at 2 Cactus Garden Dr, Henderson, NV 89014, United States. This is approximately 10 miles from the Strip, near Mountain Vista and Sunset Road. You may also reach them through their phone, (702) 435 2608 or 1-866-983-4279
