The Albuquerque Botanical Garden is an unexpected delight. The grounds are immaculate. It is a shady oasis in a desert landscape. As we walk among the trees by a large lake, I am refreshed. It is nice to visit the desert, but I am a hillbilly girl who loves the forest. This will have to do.

The desert gardens are impressive, but I struggle to truly appreciate cacti. They are intentionally uninviting. We walk around prickly plants without much lingering. I am heading for the trees.

Just beyond the succulents, we find a large farm garden. There are wagons and pumpkins and hay bales just like a Midwest farm festival. In the vineyard, a large t-Rex sculpture stalks its prey. It is just one of many whimsical elements in the gardens. I like quirky, so the place grows on you. I am at home in the farmland, dinosaurs and all.

The Japanese garden is large and tranquil. The manicured trees and waterfalls provide a sense of unhurried calm. Rocks serve as natural sculptures. I am pleased at the soothing natural surroundings.

I could write about the children’s garden and the giant vegetables. But as adults, we should not be overly charmed by the dragons and caves and other flights of fancy. I refrain from pushing small children out of the way. But my inner child is amused. In this garden, every new path is an adventure.