Notes about Butterfly Magic at the Gardens

From now thru March 31, 2008, you can come see amazing tropical butterflies up close at the Botanical Gardens.  "Butterfly Magic" provides eco-friendly income to butterfly farms around the world, including some in Costa Rica and Malaysia, according to staff we spoke to.  

Other similar exhibits around the world are called Butterfly Houses, and they are still working out the best ways to keep the beautiful insects healthy and happy.  The tropical flowers in the greenhouse can't produce enough nectar to feed all the butterflies, thus the fruit and sugar feeders; also gardeners will spray the real flowers with a sugar solution periodically.

The butterflies are often fearless and may even land right on visitors.  (so you have to be checked carefully on exit)  The huge blue morphos are especially impressive when they fly close up with their giant wingspan and vibrant colors.  """

Golden Helicon at a feeder. --gv Golden Helicon at a feeder (2). --gv