Blooms & Butterflies
March 15 - September 7, 2008

Amid a spectacular showcase of tropical flowers and foliage, Blooms & Butterflies transforms the Conservatory into an enchanting butterfly haven. Enjoy a closer look at these fascinating creatures and enjoy hands-on activities in the Butterfly Discovery Center! And learn even more during guided Butterfly Releases at 1 and 3 p.m. daily.

The Butterfly Discovery Center will feature a wall mural that you can help to create! Click Here for a downloadable pattern and directions on how you can participate.

Hundreds of butterflies from more than 100 species from around the world arrive at the Conservatory during the exhibition. Every day, dozens of them will reach maturity and come out from their chrysalides to be released in the Conservatory's Pacific Island Water Garden.

Each weekend morning from 10 a.m. until noon, the “Adopt a Butterfly” program allows visitors to get a hands-on experience releasing a butterfly into the Pacific Island room. Cost: $4 members $5 non-members per butterfly, while supply lasts.

Everyday at 1:00 & 3:00 a Conservatory guide will greet visitors in the Pacific Island room with a short presentation on butterflies as they release them to fly free and get their first drink of nectar from the beautiful Penta, Lantana and Jatropha placed admist the Conservatory’s permanent Pacific Island Water Garden collection.

An outdoor butterfly garden located near the Conservatory's entrance will be in full bloom by summer and will attract butterfly species native to Ohio. Here, you can learn how to create a butterfly garden at home.

The Conservatory offers both guided and self-guided school programs for grades PreK-8. During a field trip, schoolchildren will have educational materials following state curriculum standards at their fingertips. To schedule a school tour, call 614.645.5923 or Click Here.

Discounted group rates and guided tours are available for groups of ten or more adults. Advance registration is required. For more information about group tours, call 614.645.5923 or Click Here.

To complement the exhibition, Botanica, the Conservatory's gift shop and greenhouse, will include butterfly-themed merchandise, the popular Painted Lady caterpillars and special butterfly "homes" to keep them safe Click Here to download butterfly instruction sheets. For more information about Botanica, Click Here.