Paradise Valley -- Papp Garden

Located on a little over one acre, the Papp Garden reflects the owners' longtime interest in desert plants and garden art. In 1991, when the owners purchased the property they took quick steps to design this garden. To create a feeling lushness, they planted many trees on the property including two large Chilean mesquite trees in front of the house to frame the entrance and Palo Verde trees and acacia trees lining the drive The backyard garden has evolved over time to suit the needs of the owners growing family. Originally the backyard had ample grass for volleyball and gymnastic activities of their children. Over time, the grassy areas were eliminated and replaced by trees and shrubs. Other garden features include a swimming pool and outdoor dining area. A large desert wash that runs to the west of the property is lined with large river rock. The owners are enthusiastic about garden art and have several sculptures in the garden, including a work designed by Michael Anderson specifically for the garden, contemporary works by Ed Mell, Su Douglas, and LeRoy Neiman and others.

Plantings include specimens of Argentine saguaro and Palo adan (a species of ocotillo) in the front garden. Salvia (clevelandia, greggii, and leugantha) provide spring color in the back garden, and Queen of the Night stems bloom profusely on summer evenings. Plantings of bougainvilleas provide color alongside plantings of aloes, sage, and yellow bells.

The owners' of this garden have a long association with the Desert Botanical Garden and Phoenix Art Museum. In 2014, the garden was featured on a tour of private gardens for benefactors of the Desert Botanical Garden.

Persons associated with the garden include: Cesar Mazier Landscaping (landscape designer, 1999- ); Michael Anderson (sculptor,1999); Joe Tyler (metal flower sculpture, 1998); Billingsley (urban garden, 2013).