A view of the Jardín Redondo (Round Garden) in the Botanic Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The City of Albuquerque operates the ABQ BioPark. In addition to the Zoo, the BioPark includes an Aquarium and extensive Botanic Garden. A popular free destination a short walk away from the Aquarium and Botanic Garden, Tingley Beach, is also part of the ABQ BioPark campus.
The drop-off area near the Aquarium and Botanic Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
ABQ BioPark has three separate complexes. The Aquarium and Botanic Garden operate on an extensive campus immediately east of the Rio Grande, north of Central Avenue (Historic Route 66), and a half-mile west of Old Town. Tingley Beach is a short walk across Central Avenue. A shuttle runs regularly to the Zoo, two miles to the southeast.
View of the Aquarium. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Enjoy an early May visit to the Bontanic Garden and Aquarium. You may also experience the history of Tingley Beach by clicking here. A future post will take you to the Zoo.
The entrance to the Botanic Garden is shown here. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Spanish-Moorish Garden
After entering the Botanic Garden, the first specialty area is the Spanish-Moorish Garden to the right of the entrance. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Foliage provides shade for those enjoying ornately-tiled benches. Photo by Jim Schnur.
An ornamental pond sits within the center of the garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Another view of the Spanish-Moorish Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Jardín Redondo (Round Garden)
Located between the Spanish-Moorish Garden and the Ceremonial Garden, the Jardín Redondo features a variety of roses, including tea roses and floribunda roses. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The central planter greets visitors. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Nearly 70 varieties of roses surround the planter and walkway. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Roses along the round wall. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Roses are carefully maintained and identified. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Ceremonial Garden
Entrance to the Ceremonial Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Ceremonial Garden entryway adjacent to Festival Green. Photo by Jim Schnur.
An area covered by wisteria, clematis, and climbing roses provides copious shade. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Vines cover the pillars and arches. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Ceremonial Garden is a popular venue for weddings. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Visiting the Conservatories
A brief northward walk along the Festival Green brings you to the conservatories. Photo by Jim Schnur.
You will pass the future site of the Mediterranean-Lebanese Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Festival Green offers a great contrast to the omnipresent desert landscape. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Mediterranean Conservatory
One of two attached conservatories, this structure has two levels that show plants commonly found in the Mediterranean region and coastal California. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Palm trees and other subtropical plants are located in this structure. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Even during cooler days, the Mediterranean Conservatory remains warm and humid. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Orchids are occasionally shown, along with these beauties. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Vivid colors punctuate the Mediterranean Conservatory. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Desert Conservatory
The Desert Conservatory includes many plants common to New Mexico. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Some cacti soar more than one story high. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A view of the Desert Conservatory from its second level. Photo by Jim Schnur.
One of the tallest cacti in the conservatory. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A warm and dry location throughout the year. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The many cacti on display represent the diverse species found in New Mexico. Photo by Jim Schnur.
We even saw some desert roses similar to the ones we grew in Florida. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Specialized Gardens/Curandera Garden
A variety of small gardens occupy the grounds immediately north of the Desert Conservatory. These include Southwest Sand Hills (shown here, with hanging ristras), lava flow areas, exterior desert landscapes, and a New Mexico arroyo. Photo by Jim Schnur.
One of the plants in El Jardín de la Curandera. Photo by Jim Schnur.
This display celebrates the role of healers in local culture. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Camino de Colores and Heritage Farm
Two pathways will take visitors to the High Desert Rose Garden and the Sasebo Japanese Garden. You can either traverse through Camino de Colores (Colorful Pathway) or pass through the Heritage Farm.
The curving Camino de Colores allows guests to experience the four seasons of the year in north central New Mexico with plants that thrive during different times of the year. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A short pathway allows you to see seasonal transitions. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Benches are placed along the Camino de Colores. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Heritage Farm includes a number of hands-on activities. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Seasonal herbs and crops are displayed. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Heritage Farm includes many educational displays. Photo by Jim Schnur.
High Desert Rose Garden
The High Desert Rose Garden is perhaps the most colorful area within the Botanic Garden. On the day of our visit, staff and volunteers offered a variety of Japan-themed programs and activities. You will notice some decorations in the Rose Garden and the Japanese Garden.
Benches and refreshments are available in the High Desert Rose Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Japanese decorations adorned the Rose Garden area during our visit. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Rose Garden remains a popular destination for visitors. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Roses and other bushes abundantly cover the grounds. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Another view of the High Desert Rose Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A small cafe in the Rose Garden offers a place to relax.
Sasebo Japanese Garden
The park's Japanese garden honors one of Albuquerque's sister cities, Sasebo, in Japan's Nagasaki Prefecture. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Entryway to the pond at the Sasebo Japanese Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A view of the pond as you continue your journey. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Standing at the platform where the koi fish commonly congregate in the pond. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A Pond, the Train, Bugs, and a Fantasy Garden
A large pond with koi and turtles near the Festival Green. Photo by Jim Schnur.
An extensive model railroad garden attracts visitors who follow multiple trains in their loops. Photo by Jim Schnur.
One of the trains making its journey through the garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The railroad loop extends from Bug Bend to the Fantasy Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Inside the Bugarium, an enclosed exhibit of live bugs and insects. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Entry to the Fantasy Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A whimsical bench by the Fantasy Garden. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A Cool Blue Aquarium Visit
Entrance to the Aquarium. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The Aquarium explains the importance of water to Colorado and New Mexico lands as it travels through the Rio Grande, and reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Exhibits within the Aquarium examine trout streams, coastal marshes, mangroves, and other estuaries far from Albuquerque. Below are a few highlights of the many displays in the Aquarium.
The Aquarium illustrates many water cultures that sustain our planet. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The playful river otters are always a crowd favorite. Photo by Jim Schnur.
Wet displays celebrate aquaculture along the Rio Grande. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A view within the Atlantic Coral Reef. Photo by Jim Schnur.
A short distance away, visitors experience a Pacific Coral Reef. Photo by Jim Schnur.
The jellies glow in a dark chamber. Photo by Jim Schnur.
As a Devil Rays fan, I certainly wore my Tampa Bay garb during our visit.
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