The Living Desert
This 1800-acre preserve near the Santa Rosa Mountains offers a wealth of subtle color, texture and beauty. The natural and planted gardens unveil the charm and secrets of the desert. Among the treasures are medicinal plants of old: Native Americans used white sage as a deodorant and the alkali golden bush to treat colds and sore throats. The red barrel cactus--a rare find--is at home here.
Bougain Villa
This one-acre private retreat got its start when owner William Burgess blasted a space into the side of a mountain. The one-acre hideaway is tucked away into the hillside, but it has spectacular views of Palm Springs and beyond. Burgess carved out plenty of hidden passages, pathways and little garden rooms, then hauled in full-grown Washingtonian and elephant-foot palms. Gigantic ceramic vessels provide art, and yards of bright bougainvillea flow over garden walls, giving the estate its flowery name.
Aerie Art Garden
Bruce and Clonard Thomas' art and garden reflect their belief in living in harmony with nature. Their 20-acre estate, which once belonged to matinee screen idol Tom Mix, is a mixture of the art of nature and the nature of art. Thomas' modern sculpture provides a surprising complement to nature's handywork, which includes silver dollar prickly pear and mesquite trees. Many of the pieces are made from discarded items-- such as remnants of an airplane cockpit.
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