Tess Marshall, of The Bold Life, was gracious to share one of the favorite spots in her neighborhood for today’s Guest Post—the Desert Botanical Garden. Tess is a remarkable and accomplished businesswoman, life coach, psychologist, author, mother, wife, grandmother, and natural bon-vivant.

She embodies exactly the motto that she lives by and promotes:

“Take Action and Make Things Happen”

By all means I encourage everybody to check out Tess’ blog, her services, and her expertise in the field of life-coaching.

Without further adieu, I give the online floor to Tess:

One of my favorite places to "be" in Arizona is The Desert Botanical Garden where you will find 139, rare, threatened and endangered plant species from around the world, exquisitely exhibited on 50 acres.

Currently the DBG is hosting an exhibition by Dale Chihuly, featuring 15 new and unique works of glass sculpture. Dale’s work is included in more than 200 museum collections worldwide and has been referred to as "liquid light."

The colors and shapes of the glass entwined with the plant material and the play of light make the Garden’s trail a magical place to meander.

I found the exhibit to be mesmerizing, spectacular and breath taking.

My first visit was with my good friend Pat Wallace and later with my grandchildren, pictured above, who were visiting from Michigan on their spring break.

Chihuly’s signature "Sun" sculpture wows and welcomes visitors at the entrance to the Desert Botanical Garden.

"Red Chandelier" from Chihuly’s chandelier collection. Personally I find his sculpture "fun and happy."

Chihuly says his work is really "play." I believe it.

"Blue and Purple Float Boat," a study in cobalt blue and violet anchored in the sand guarded by a dessert tree."

Glass Yuccas tower over the agaves, shining by day and sparkling at night. My final visit to the exhibit will be with my husband in the evening. I’ve heard some of the glass is even more spectacular then.

Prickly pear cacti stand watch over "Mirrored Hornets".

Chihuly’s exhibit runs through May 31, 2009 so visit soon and you will not only be enchanted by the incredible beauty and peaceful nature of the gardens but by the colorful joys of the glass exhibit as well. Located in Phoenix, The Desert Botanical Garden is nationally and internationally renowned for its educational programs, research and plant collections. Reservations to view the exhibit are necessary.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!