When Butterflies in Bloom extended to Wednesday evenings, it was one of my favorite times to volunteer because the residents would start roosting … cuddling up for bedtime, I would tell young children. This is from the sole Wednesday shift I was able to work this year, around 5 p.m. March 11. No word yet on whether we can open for the last scheduled week of the exhibit.
This butterfly chose the large sculpture in the center of the Conservatory for a resting place.
This reminds me of the variegated hostas I favor.
Sometimes they just get attached. I’ve seen children charmed that a butterfly remains on their clothing or even a finger for 20 minutes. Many, of course, do no such thing. Butterflies in Bloom remains closed through April 5, but at the moment we volunteers still hope to be back at our posts for the two final scheduled weeks.
An orchid in the Conservatory of Dow Gardens.
If this tree were in my yard, I’d sit in it every warm day. Instead, I admire it at Dow Gardens, where it’s visible from the craft barn.
My swallowtail friend from yesterday’s post outside the case, where its blue colors are more visible.
A swallowtail friend in the chrysalis case last Wednesday. Dow Gardens had to close the Butterflies in Bloom exhibit to the public through April 5, so I’ll be dribbling out the photos I took on the only volunteer shift I was able to get in. Gardens staffers are tending the insects in case the Gardens and Conservatory can reopen for the last two scheduled weeks of butterflies.
When we finished prowling our new backyard for morels on Tuesday, this was the final tally. We soaked them in water, melted some butter, cut them in halves and cooked them about 3 minutes. As advised by a friend, we poured the soaking water out over the stubs, hoping to prompt further growth.
Orchids from the “Orchid Room” of the Conservatory at Dow Gardens. It also has pitcher plants and other tropical and subtropical flora.
