Palm Springs boasts a unique attraction – the Moorten Botanical Garden, a vibrant haven overseen by the charismatic second-generation owner, Clark Moorten. With an infectious enthusiasm for cacti, Clark welcomes over 200 visitors daily, often explaining his passion with a chuckle: “I was practically born surrounded by cacti. My parents needed help, and being an only child, I guess I became their star employee.”
The Moorten Botanical Garden’s history is as colorful as the desert flora it showcases. Established by Clark’s parents, Chester “Cactus Slim” Moorten and Patricia, the garden’s origins are surprisingly rooted in Hollywood. Cactus Slim, a former Keystone Cop and stand-in for Howard Hughes, contracted tuberculosis on a film set. While recovering in Cottonwood Springs, near Joshua Tree, he discovered a love for cacti while prospecting for gold. Soon, he realized the prickly beauties offered a more lucrative career path than mining.
Seeking a wider audience for his newfound passion, Cactus Slim arrived in Palm Springs in 1938. There, he met Patricia, who shared his fascination with succulents. Together, they purchased the land that would become the Moorten Botanical Garden, acquiring it from renowned desert photographer Stephen Willard.
The couple’s love for desert plants blossomed into a thriving business. They expanded beyond selling cacti, offering landscape design services that attracted a star-studded clientele. Walt Disney, Red Skelton, Jimmy Van Heusen, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby all enlisted their expertise to create stunning desert backyards for their desert homes. Walt Disney even entrusted the Moortens with curating the plant life for Frontierland in his soon-to-be-built Disneyland Resort in Anaheim.
Stepping into the Moorten Botanical Garden today, visitors are greeted by the charming sight of the family’s former residence, affectionately nicknamed “Cactus Castle.” Despite housing thousands of specimens sourced from across the globe, the one-acre garden retains a cozy and welcoming atmosphere. The diverse plant life is meticulously categorized according to geographical origin, taking visitors on a journey through meticulously recreated arid landscapes.
Over a dozen distinct biomes await exploration, including the Baja California Peninsula, the South African Succulent Karoo, the Mojave Desert, and Mexico’s Gran Desierto de Altar. While cacti reign supreme, the garden boasts a dazzling array of other flora, including agaves, bombax trees, and South African aloe plants. Scattered amongst the vibrant plant life, a collection of interesting rocks, crystals, fossils, and gold-mining relics adds an unexpected layer of intrigue and further enhances the desert experience.
Guided tours are available for those seeking a more in-depth exploration, but reservations are recommended. The knowledgeable garden staff is always happy to answer any questions visitors might have.
A delightful onsite nursery allows visitors to bring a piece of the desert magic home. However, it’s crucial to confirm import regulations before purchasing any plant. An hour is the recommended time to fully appreciate the Moorten Botanical Garden’s unique charm.
Conveniently located just 1.5 miles from downtown Palm Springs, the Moorten Botanical Garden offers ample street parking. Be advised that the gardens are closed on Wednesdays and have reduced hours during the summer months due to the intense heat.
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