SUPERIOR – Boyce Thompson Arboretum State Park feels like a sweet little secret.

It’s tucked just off the highway, with only a small sign to signal its existence. Even its entrance and parking area, although lush with precious shade trees, disguise what awaits visitors beyond the admission gate.

Maybe it was designed to be a surprise.

The path that takes visitors to the main trail is lined with colorful blooms and beautiful arrangements of plants, an attraction even a plant non-lover will enjoy. It just makes you smile. Some of the plants are tagged with descriptions, making it easier for you to ask for one at a garden shop.

Boyce Thompson is great for all ages. New parents can enjoy a peaceful walk on trails that accommodate strollers, families with young children can let the kiddos explore, and kid-free adults can leisurely make their way around the park, most likely getting to enjoy more of the many attractions than those whose kids need naps or simply run out of gas.

The first exhibit along the main trail is a small hummingbird and butterfly garden. Hummingbird feeders hang from trees, tucked back so you can’t get too close. Butterflies flit around. It’s peaceful and secluded, making you forget you just left U.S. 60 a few minutes ago. There’s even a little bench, so take a seat. You’ll see more butterflies that way.

The garden backs to a large picnic and parking area, off a little side trail, so pack a lunch. If Mexican takeout sounds good, the Los Hermanos restaurant in Superior is a good choice. Choose from traditional favorites, plus delicious rice and beans, and they’ll pack it all up to go.

The more time you can spend at the arboretum, the better. You literally can take time to smell the roses in the fragrant little rose garden.

If you have kids, take them to the new Children’s Horticultural Garden, which opened in late April. It offers a picnic area, plus fun activities for kids – a maze, a touch garden and a smell garden so curious youngsters can use their senses to understand various plants.

If not, continue along the main trail, which offers lots of shade and an easy walk. It’s a great way to see everything, because it breaks off into side trails with well-marked signs.

You might want to venture off to the Taylor Family Desert Legume Garden, which showcases members of the pea family of plants. Or maybe the cactus and succulent garden sounds interesting.

Don’t miss the Eucalyptus Forest. It’s a cool spot beneath trees towering up to 100 feet. You’ll see a eucalyptus aptly named Mr. Big. It’s 100 feet tall and started out as a sapling in 1926.

The arboretum also includes Ayer Lake, an herb garden, the Queen Creek Riparian Area and an area dedicated to South America.

If you like what you see along the way, the arboretum has an assortment of plants for sale near the entrance. Because you’ll feel like a plant pro by the time you leave, you’ll feel confident caring for one at home.

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Butterfly events

What: See hundreds of butterflies up close at the Spring Butterfly Exhibit, now in its seventh year. Up to 16 colorful species of butterflies flutter about while visitors “ooh” and “aah” inside a lush, screened garden.

When: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through May 11

Where: Marshall Butterfly Pavilion at Desert Botanical Garden, 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix

Cost: $3 with paid garden admission of $4-$10

Information: (480) 941-1225 or www.dbg.org

What: Learn to identify butterflies on a walk through the wilds of Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Butterfly walks are led by members of the Central Arizona Butterfly Association. Bring binoculars and a butterfly guidebook if you have them.

When: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday, Wednesday and May 24

Where: Boyce Thompson Arboretum, U.S. 60, near Superior

Cost: Free with paid admission of $3-$7.50

Information: (520) 689-2811 or www.btarboretum.org

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