You probably ignore the landscaping as you walk from your parking place to a concert or game or class. Instead, get there a little early. Walk around, and enjoy the work of the gardeners. Everywhere, there are pockets of beauty. The funky boojums stand guard in front of the administration building. To the east of the Forbes building, a little garden has rows of carefully labeled roses. On the west side, a double row of very old and stately olive trees lines the walkways. A new garden of native plants and benches is at Biological Sciences East. And there is a group of incredibly graceful flowering trees just south of Biological Sciences West. When they sway in wind, you imagine they could have played a part in Fantasia.
Runners up:
2. Arizona Inn, 2200 E. Elm St., 325-1541
3. Tohono Chul Park, 7366 N. Paseo Del Norte, 575-8468
Unclear on the concept: Desert Museum, one vote