One was Swedish botanist Gustaf Starck, who found like-minded residents by posting a sign, "Save the desert", with an arrow pointing to his home.

[3] Eventually Gertrude Webster, whose home encompassed all of what is today the neighborhood of Arcadia, joined the Society.

She offered her encouragement, connections and financial support to establish the botanical garden in Papago Park.

In 1938, after much work by the ACNFS, the board hired the Garden's first executive director, George Lindsay, who oversaw the first planting on the grounds.

The Garden offers specialized tours, workshops and lectures on desert landscaping and horticulture, nature art and photography, health and wellness.