“We're doing it in the same space, that 15,000 square foot, tropical conservatory, that's five stories tall. We'll be filling that with thousands of tropical butterflies this year.”
Wendy Overbeck Dunham, Director of Horticulture, says there are some new activities this year, like photo opportunity stations baited with nectar to attract butterflies, and Butterfly Ballet Tea parties featuring themed treats and dancers from the Grand Rapids Junior Ballet.
If tea isn’t your cup of tea, there’s also Bourbon and Butterflies.
“That'll give those 21 and over the opportunity to visit the butterfly display at twilight, which is a pretty magical time to be in the conservatory. The butterflies gather up to roost, which they often do in large groups in the trees and stuff in there, and that's really neat to see. Of course, you'll be able to wander around and enjoy that with your bourbon or other specialty cocktail in hand.”
Dunham says come for the butterflies and stay to enjoy the many attractions on the 158-acre grounds.
“You really can make a whole day of it. You can pop in, visit the butterflies, go out, wander the rock gardens, maybe check out the Japanese garden, the sculpture park, the waterfalls.”
Butterflies are Blooming runs through the end of April.
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