Despite temperatures reaching well into the nineties, I braved the heat and humidity for another visit to the butterfly exhibit.  I think it will become a weekly ritual, as the staff told me a shipment of Asian butterflies is coming next week, and then African butterflies the following week.  I really marvel at what a fantastic job the Botanic Garden staff has done with this exhibit.  The butterflies are the central focus, but equally spectacular is the garden within the haven - a wonderful mix of flowers, trees and bushes that butterflies love.  I am designing a butterfly garden for my home with garden expert Janet Albrecht (a new friend I met while walking at the Garden...karma!) and Janet and I have already gathered many ideas for plants based on the butterfly exhibit.

This little creature is called an Atala Hairstreak, with glowing blue markings and a bright red-orange abdomen.

A Sara Longwing

Later in the afternoon, the active Blue Morphos had begun to settle down and it was possible to catch them with their wings open to see that lovely blue. This one was resting by the door.

Blue Morpho

An Owl Butterfly

Monarchs, common in our area, are still a favorite.

Monarch

This Sapho Longwing seems to love hiding out in this beautiful 'Autumn Brilliance' serviceberry tree.

Sapho Longwing

'Sundaze Golden Beauty" strawflowers in the Sensory Garden

'Joey' pink mulla mulla in the Enabling Garden

Purple and yellow are two of my favorite color combinations...

The 'Royal Aspirations' candle delphiniums in the English Walled Garden are gorgeous and majestic!

A few roses from The Rose Garden