Come In Out of the Cold with Meijer Gardens

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow once again on February 2, so it looks like we’re in for six more weeks of winter. But if you’re in Grand Rapids, Michigan, you can beat the cold with a visit to Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, where the annual ‘Foremost's Butterflies Are Blooming’ tropical butterfly exhibition will be featured from March 1 until April 30, 2008. Coinciding with this will be the ‘Art of Africa’, an exhibition of more than 80 objects representing 30 African cultures, which runs through May 4, 2008.

Every year thousands of tropical butterflies and dozens of species from Asia, South and Central America and now Africa emerge from chrysalises and gracefully flutter around the tropical environs of the 15,000 square foot, 6 story tropical conservatory. This year, they will be joined for the first time by the African Moon Moth. "The addition of the African Moon Moth incorporates our mission of exploring the duality of art and nature," said Lucinda Grover, Lead Horticulturist at Meijer Gardens. "These species have captivating eye spots on bright green wings, making a grand appearance with all the grace and magnificence of Africa."

Long time favorites such as the 'Blue Morpho' with its’ large dazzling metallic blue wings will again grace visitors with their presence. The 'Costa Rican Clearwing' will also return with its transparent wings making it a challenge to find at times. Others such as the 'Tree Nymph', 'Giant Owl' and 'Leopard Lacewing' will be fluttering freely in the tropical conservatory.

For more information, please visit www.meijergardens.org.

Edited by Ellen Schofield