The Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department will be offering visitors a chance over the next several months to explore the newly renovated Carraro Cactus Garden surrounding the landmark Tovrea Castle.

Visitors can join guided, 90-minute tours on weekends from late October through mid April, 2008. There will be tours throughout the day with a maximum of 20 people per tour. The tours cost $15 per person; proceeds will help to fund future castle and garden rehabilitation and improvements. Those interested can register for the tours online by going to the Classes and Programs link at phoenix.gov/parks.

The tours will only cover the grounds and do not include access to Tovrea Castle, which is closed as part of ongoing rehabilitation and renovation. Walking tours are appropriate for youth ages 8 and above with mild grade variations on garden trails. Participants should wear proper clothing and footwear for a desert environment.

Parks staff has been working for years to slowly restore the plants in the garden and recently employed a cactus specialist to restore and rejuvenate many of the cactuses on site. Using period photos, staff also has been repairing and improving the grounds to more closely resemble the way they looked when the castle and cactus gardens were newly completed in the early 1930’s. Overall, visitors will see the east side of the Carraro Cactus Garden, outbuildings, machine shop, cactus propagation beds and exterior castle views.

In addition to online registration, those interested also can call 602-256-3220 for more information.