Queen Creek Botanical Gardens — Attraction in Queen Creek

We booked for a 90 minute photo session for our engagement photos we spent about 162 for the session. We live in Tucson and the day of the shoot I got my hair and makeup done we were about 30 minutes out I decided to text them to let them know we were almost there I was told they would be closing at the time I booked my shoot which was 4 o’clock there was a political event happening on the grounds and that they had just found out on that day that they would be closing I did not get notified about this until me reaching out. The reason I reached out was because looking at the website it said it was closed by 4 which concerned me. How was the website updated but yet me the person who booked for that specific time was not notified until me reaching out. The person in charge of the booking told us we couldn’t have a refund or even a partial refund the best she could do was offer us two free admission to enter on our own time and to reschedule the booking. For us not being from the area we don’t find any use of two free admission as this was a one time thing. We rescheduled the shoot but still didn’t receive any kind of accommodation to the inconvenience. To her she felt us reaching out and her letting us know that they are closed was basically her notifying us and that it’s on us that we came out this way. As I said we were already 30 minutes when I texted and wanted to speak in person to work this out but nothing was ever worked out other then rescheduling. It was the time and money spent on preparing for that day and also the gas wasted on going to and back the day of being canceled on and also our photographer taking the time to come out and was paid for already. We were lucky enough to have her accommodate us on rescheduling. At arrival the admission attendant we spoke with her asking if we could still go in even with the event going on she told us that it would be no problem that they wouldn’t have booked us if it was not a problem so even the attendant working was not aware of anything going on either. We did have our shoot and the garden was beautiful small but still great for our shoot. Please be aware when booking...

Queen Creek “Botani-Gall” Gardens – A Place Full of Audacity… and a Pond

This place is a disgrace. I can’t believe people willingly support a business run with such hostility. My partner and I wandered through the crowded grounds, eventually finding ourselves in what seemed like a hybrid of a garden and a half-hearted putt-putt course. There were no clear signs marking a designated starting point, nor any obvious indicators that certain paths were restricted to paying guests. A few flimsy, knee-high chain barriers displayed small “No Entry” signs (more of a mild suggestion than a serious deterrent).

After strolling and sitting for about 15 minutes, we attempted to leave via a different exit, only to be ambushed by a man straight out of a survivalist catalog: mid-40s, atrocious sideburns, dressed like he was about to summit the Grand Canyon. He immediately accused us of stealing from the garden because we weren’t wearing wristbands, demanding to know why we were there. “Whose birthday? What’s your niece’s name? Where are you sitting?” It was like getting interrogated for trespassing in Narnia.

I cut him off with, “Look, we didn’t realize the cute little chain we stepped over meant we were in a paid section. We thought we were already in the garden and just following a path around the putt-putt. We had no idea there was an entrance fee; though honestly, for what little there is to see, I can’t imagine paying for it.”

Rather than accepting this as an honest mistake, he went full passive-aggressive salesman, pitching the “incredible amenities” we had just unknowingly trespassed upon.

Now, I get it. This probably happens to him all the time. But based on his sheer enthusiasm for confrontation, I’d wager he enjoys it. Instead of addressing the obvious design flaws, like the unclear entry points, the laughable excuse for a barrier, or the total lack of useful signage; he seems to prefer setting people up to fail so he can play the victim while berating them.

Solution? Put up a real fence. Mark the entrance properly. Or, better yet, stop running a glorified backyard with all the grace of an airport...

We visited this place before Easter in 2021 and I absolutely loved it. I have been waiting to go back since then. I finally went and I'll start by saying that overall I had a really nice time.The way that the water mixes with the plants and water wheel just creates for a very relaxing and beautiful site! However, I do have some critiques. When we first got there it was pretty difficult to find the place to buy tickets and I feel like overall the entrance could be better located and decorated. I do understand this is a nonprofit organization and I do thank them for their efforts to help preserve the Earth, but I do think that $10 is a bit steep of a price. We did have a nice staff member notify us about the self guided tour but if it wasn't for him the stuff wasn't that well marked.I also think that since they have branched off some of the areas for some other activities, that I think they should add more plants to spruce up the place. I also would love if they had more seating, not only in the shade but to see the beautiful views of the garden Overall, it is definitely pleasant and I do think pleasant is the word for it. It is very relaxing and I would and have recommended this place to family and friends. However I think with some modifications this place could reach the high highs of other botanical gardens....