So many textures to delight the senses at the desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. But be careful what you touch.

Nope, not going near you.

The Desert Botanical Garden tops my list of must-sees when I visit Phoenix. There’s something about the cactus, the blossoms I’ll never see back east, the colors. Oh, and I love the quail. But what really gets me every time is the textures. Some look like I should run my hand across their furry curves — and I know when I’ve been deceived. Ouch. Others are clearly stand-offish, angry-looking or even aggressive. No, I promise, I won’t go anywhere near you.

But prickly or feathery, the gardens are filled with magic.

Take a look. Isn’t it all lovely?

Not all that grows in the desert is a cactus. This is a date palm.

The Desert Botanical Garden lights up the gardens with 8,000 luminaria and other lights in November and December.