Anticipation is over!!

The Blooming Butterfly Exhibit will be opening this Friday June 18th. There is a variety of tropical butterfly plants and butterflies are coming as I write this blog. You have to come see the new topiary, Bertha the Butterfly! It was installed almost a month ago. The horticulture staff used Yellow and Burgundy Threadleaf Alternanthera, Samba Hot Rose Purslane, and Wooly Thyme. It looks amazing! Horticulture staff also have hanging baskets all around for some extra nectar for the butterflies. Please come and check out this captivating and educational living exhibit. Its Dynamite!!!!

New orchid additions to the conservatory collection

The Marjorie McNeely Conservatory has acquired 12 new orchids to add to the orchid collection. Currently there are about 850 species orchids and almost 120 genera. The majority of the orchids in the collection are native to South America. The new orchids were acquired with funds from a $400 conservation grant awarded by the Mid-America Orchid Congress. The MAOC is an organization of orchid societies that works toward the conservation of orchids by preserving natural habitats and by propagation of orchids.