Saw a cactus wearing a tiny hat at the Desert Botanical Garden

Was at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix last weekend. Walking through the succulent section. Saw a huge saguaro cactus. Someone had put a tiny, bright red cowboy hat on top of it. Looked like a real felt hat, maybe 3 inches wide. Just perched there perfectly. Made the whole cactus look like it was ready for a party. I stood there for like five minutes just laughing. Wondered if a staff member did it or if it was a very dedicated visitor. Has anyone else seen a plant dressed up in a public garden? Is this a thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

angelab6213d ago

That little hat on the saguaro is just the best kind of silly. It reminds me of a time I saw a topiary shaped like a rabbit at a different garden, and someone had tied a small blue ribbon around its neck. It feels like a quiet, shared joke for anyone who notices. I love when public spaces have that kind of playful, human touch. It makes the whole visit more memorable than just looking at plants.

jessel3513d ago

Gotta be honest, that kind of stuff always bugs me a little. It feels like messing with the real thing for a cheap laugh. That cactus stood there for a hundred years without a hat, and now its whole point is to be a photo prop. It takes away from just seeing the plant for what it is, you know? Makes the whole place feel less special, more like a theme park. Why can't we just let nature be cool on its own?

wendyw7113d ago

But that hat also protects the new growth from sunburn.