Aspens, ponderosas, and penstemons - all treasured sights at The Arboretum at Flagstaff. But how about the Pick Saguaro, Copper Iris, and the Ferrocuda? These can also be seen at The Arboretum as part of this year’s Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit. Now in its 13th year, the Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit began as a collaborative effort between The Arboretum and the Arizona Artist Blacksmith Association (AABA) to showcase ironwork created for the garden, to bring visual interest to the gardens early in the season, and to show visitors how art can bring year round beauty to their own gardens. The exhibit quickly became a visitor favorite and this year’s exhibit is the biggest one yet. In addition to showcasing over 42 pieces of art in the garden, for the first time there is also an indoor component to the exhibit with over 30 botanical themed pieces displayed in the Visitor Center Gallery. The Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit showcases work by 23 artists including professional blacksmiths and metal artists from the Southwest as well as work created by students studying sculpture at NAU. Most of the work in the exhibit is for sale and 30% of the proceeds benefit The Arboretum at Flagstaff. The Botanical Blacksmiths exhibit is open now and will be at The Arboretum until September 20 so come on out and enjoy the beauty of the gardens and the garden art.