Ethal M's Cactus Garden

Ethel M Chocolates is a great place to spend a few hours. It is a very popular place with tourists.  The parking lot always seems to have at least one or two tours buses. The extensive cactus garden (one of the world's largest collection) is amazing in the spring when the majority of cactus are in bloom, and during Christmas when the cacti and trees are lit by Christmas lights. But even if you can't make it at optimum times, it is still well worth spending time here.

The self-guided factory tour is a walk down a glassed hallway where you can see the working making candy if you are lucky enough to arrive at the right time. Wall plaques describe the history of the place and the candy making process. The tour ends at a candy store where you can sample one of their delicious creations.

Cactus Flowers - Ethel M's Cactus Garden - The garden contain a staggering sample of cacti from all over the world.  If you are interested, you can read the little signs that tell you about each species.

Lantana spilling over a pot - Ethel M's Cactus Garden. These flowers bloom all summer long so if you don't make it in the spring, you will still see some flowering plants and trees.

Cactus Flower - Ethal M's Cactus Garden - This is one of the later blooming cacti. I didn't make it until May. You will see more cacti in bloom if you go during the months of March and April.

Male Grackle - Ethel M's Cactus Garden - The grackle were very entertaining as they took advantage of the flowing water pot. If you look closely and listen to the birds, you will probably find some nesting in the tree and larger cacti.

Female Grackle - Ethel M's Cactus Gardn

 Christmas Lights - Ethel M's Cactus Garden

Christmas Lights - Ethel M's Cactus Garden