Something's A-Flutter returns to the Garden

Something's A-Flutter opened at the Garden yesterday and continues until Sept. 30. We kicked off the event with children from Presbyterian Hemby Children's Hospital to serve as grand opening opening ambassadors and release live butterflies the day before opening. This event is always a guest favorite and I have to say is for me as well! This was the first exhibit I worked on at the Garden and found myself everyday of the exhibit wanting to head down to The Orchid Conservatory to spend some time with my new fluttery friends!

This year's exhibit features a couple of new things. Every Friday and Saturday of the event there will be a butterfly activity station offered from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. We also have a Caterpillar Crib set up outside The Orchid Conservatory where guests can see the larval stage of butterflies, commonly called caterpillars. The Caterpillar Crib will also feature host plants for caterpillars, different from the food source for an adult butterfly. The Orchid Conservatory still serves as the main part of the exhibit, but the entire Garden has incorporated interpretative panels and butterfly plant labels that make up the Butterfly Trail.

In addition to the new features the Garden will also have a class every Friday and Saturday from 1-2:30 p.m. of the event titled, Butterflies "Behind the Scenes". Guests can learn about their general care and maintenance from the moment they arrive at the Garden till the time they are released. Guests can also participate in mounting chrysalis' and releasing butterflies in the Conservatory. The cost is $18 for members and $22 for non-members.

Don't forget to bring your camera for some great photographs and to wear bright colors to the exhibit so maybe a butterfly will land on you, just like this picture from one of our grand opening ambassadors!