About

When Chester "Cactus Slim" Moorten and his wife, Patricia, collected their first dessert plant in the 1930s, the idea for the Moorten Botanical Garden wasn't even on their minds.

But as the couple continued to gather flora, the idea sparked, and in 1938, they opened their nursery in Palm Springs.

The tiny garden flourished and, by 1955, blossomed into a botanical garden. The Moorten Botanical Garden has delighted plant lovers and curious visitors ever since.

When you enter the garden, you're stepping into another world. It's an environment where over 3,000 types of plants are meticulously cared for and displayed.

While smaller than other arboretums, Moorten Botanical Garden compensates with its dense concentration of diverse flora. The garden's compact size amplifies its charm, creating an intimate atmosphere where visitors can fully immerse themselves in the beauty of desert botany.

The garden's success wasn't built overnight. With the grit and determination of the Moorten family, the garden's reputation grew, attracting attention from horticulture enthusiasts and casual tourists.

Clark Moorten inherited the Moorten Botanical Garden from his parents, ensuring their legacy and the gardens continued flourishing.

Fun Facts & Cool Features

One of the most fascinating aspects of the garden is its rich history. The Moortens were known for their love of plants, mainly cacti, which earned Chester the nickname "Cactus Slim."

This family-owned arboretum impresses visitors with the sheer diversity of its plant collection. A visit to Moorten Botanical Garden will showcase towering cactuses, colorful succulents, wispy mesquite trees, and other prickly plants.

The garden also houses glistening crystals, colorful rocks, and ancient fossils, providing an educational experience for visitors interested in geology and paleobotany.

The Moorten Botanical Garden is a treasure trove of nature's wonders that is serene and awe-inspiring.

Visiting the Moorten Botanical Garden is like stepping back in time. The Los Angeles Times describes it as being "on a different clock, in a different time." This sense of timelessness and the garden's historic charm make it a Palm Springs icon.

Let nature take you on a magical journey on your California vacation at the Moorten Botanical Garden.

Local Tips

Do you have a wedding coming up? Reserve the Palm Grove Oasis for a magical event!
Moorten Botanical Garden also has pioneering and gold mining relics.
Parking is along the road.
Check out some cacti and plants for sale.
Be on the lookout for the resident tortoise!

Staging environment