"And the winner is ..." They're all winners in this category, as any bit of greenery with flora and fauna in the middle of urbanity is highly prized. Top honors this year go to Tucson Botanical Gardens, a five-acre sanctuary. More than 1,200 different types of plants compete for space along paths that wind through 16 different gardens. Whatever your interest, there's something to attract it, from a bird and butterfly garden to a historical garden and a traditional barrio garden. Plenty of along-the-path seating allows for serenity and contemplation, as you listen to the numerous fountains and the sounds of birds singing. Take a virtual visit at
www.tucsonbotanical.org.
Runners up:
2. Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo del Norte, 575-8468
3. Reid Park Rose Garden, 22nd Street at Country Club Road