Haven't visited any nurseries out there, but you should definitely spend some time in Joshua Tree National Park. I'm personally more a fain of the higher elevations, but this time of year, the whole park should be beautiful with all of the recent rain!

Here is one:
Moorten Botanical Gardens
For one or two others check the internet.

Jordi

ltecato- I'm about 20 minutes away from Palm Springs and this link is my favorite place in the area. You are destined for a great time. Joshua Tree National Monument is great(bring comfortable shoes) so is the Living Desert. I have included a link to my favorite nursery in the area since the other two recommendations are sight-seeing places. Oh, if you're a meat eater check out Ruth's Chris Steak House! :o)

Here is a link that might be useful: A place to visit

I'd also second the recommendation for visiting the Living Desert Botanic Garden/Zoo if you are more interested in horticultural desert plants as opposed to seeing natives, and the Anza Borrega State Park may be worth investigating for desert wild flowers as well. Is it perhaps a bit too early for the best wildflower show in the higher elevation Joshua Tree National Monument?

Taking the tram up to the top of San Jacinto Mountain is also an interesting experience.

I think there is one called Morton's if it is still in business on Palm Canyon Drive, check out the phone book and see what can be found. New ones may have sprung up. I haven't been there in years. Be sure to go to the
Date orchid Farm. The black dates are wonderful. Norma

I was in Rancho Mirage last spring - I was shockingly amazed and how nice the visitor center of Palm Springs was landscaped. I believe it is well worth it, even if it's just a quick stopover.

Joshua Tree NP is fantastic. I was attacked by the Jumping Chollas!

x

Now you know why I don't like Cacti, Norma

Thanks for the info and the warning about the chollas, guys.