Because plants are jealous of our ability to live indoors, they attempt to infiltrate our finest mansions and universities by slowly climbing stony façades. Visit a place built specifically to contain these floral strivers with today's Groupon to the Japanese Friendship Garden of Phoenix, called Ro Ho En. Choose between two membership options:

• For $15, you get an individual membership (up to a $30 value).
• For $25, you get a family membership (a $50 value).

Awarded the Best Japanese Tea in 2009 and Best Escape to Japan in 2008 by the Phoenix New Times, the Japanese Friendship Garden captivates the senses with 3.5 acres of lush outdoor space. Designed by more than 50 landscape architects from Himeji, the tranquil plant life and stonework emulate the delicacy of Japanese gardens while simultaneously enduring the onslaught of a desert environment. The garden features more than 1,500 tons of hand-picked rock lining the paths and waterways, authentic Japanese accents such as stone footbridges and lanterns, and more than 50 varieties of plants, including two types of bamboo and one man-eating kudzu. Stroll by the flowing streams to relax and gaze up at the majestic 12-foot waterfall before stopping to admire the 300 colorful fish swimming, eating, and slam-dancing in the Koi pond.

Individual membership to the garden includes unlimited visits with one guest pass per visit, a 10% discount at the gift shop, a bimonthly subscription to the "Tobi Ishi Garden Newsletter," and regular access to invasive species. A family membership includes all of the perks of the individual membership for two adults and all children under 18, as well as two nonfamily guest passes per visit. Plant admirers can settle into a cup of steaming brew at the Japanese tea house or stay late for one of the garden’s regular events, including the upcoming Strolling in Yukata fundraiser and the anime exhibition.

Japanese Friendship Garden closes each summer due to excessive heat. The garden closes for the season in May, and reopens in October.