Celebrate 50 years of the Cactus Garden

About the Cactus Garden

Dedicated in May 1965, this unique garden is named in honor of “Cactus” John Haag, (founder of the Tucson Cactus & Succulent Society) and is home to 138 species of cacti, including some from his personal collection and several rare and endangered species.

History

Photo of John Haag

“Cactus” John Haag worked at the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum (ASDM) as a curator of plants from 1957 to 1959. While working at the Desert Museum he noted the public’s interest in cacti and other succulents and was strongly encouraged to form a club where people could talk about their prickly endeavors and learn from one another. As a result, in December of 1960, he founded the Tucson Cactus Club (now the Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society). He had a larger vision to create a Cactus Garden at the Desert Museum to help educate people about cacti and other succulent plants of the region.

Before his vision of the garden could be realized, Haag passed away on December 2, 1962. Following his death, the Tucson Cactus Club kept his vision alive and worked for the following two years creating the Cactus garden at the Desert Museum in his honor. On May 7th 1965, the Tucson Cactus Club dedicated the ‘Haag Cactus Garden’ in his name and 300 people showed up for the unveiling. In lieu of a ribbon cutting, a balloon at the entrance of the garden was popped using a dead agave leaf.

Collage of photos from the cactus garden

The Future - The Cactus Garden continues to grow.

Under the guidance of Jason Wiley, Desert Museum horticulturist and cactus lover, plans are in place to enhance this unique garden by adding to the collection to double the density of cacti; and enhancing shade and demonstration areas within the garden.

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Tucson Cactus and Succulent Society Newsletter Article
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