Visit a Butterfly Paradise Within Franklin Park Conservatory

Visit a Butterfly Paradise Within Franklin Park Conservatory

by | Travel adventures

Experience Live Butterflies Up Close

Painted Lady butterfly on Butterfly bush bloom (Buddleia). Bring Lepidoptera into your garden
Painted Lady butterfly on Butterfly bush bloom (Buddleia). Bring Lepidoptera into your garden.

For so many years, our family loved going on trips to the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus Ohio. It has improved its exhibitions through the years and added what is now an all-time favorite: the “Blooms and Butterflies” event.

Dreamworld of Exotic Butterflies

In a Pacific Rainforest

Entering a lush tropical rain forest, the air heavy with mist, the stream sparkles before me. It runs in a rivulet before becoming lost in the tangle of orchids, glossy green leaves, and the towering overhang of Pacific rainforest trees.

Directly ahead, a stairway leads into the path that curves away from view, so that I notice the richly colored blooms that screen it and stop to gaze at their perfect forms.

Following the turn, a fantastical sight of twisting turrets in yellow, streaked with red, burst upon my eye. A sculpture, made entirely of glass by the most alive imagination, is fully discovered before me. All of a sudden, a cloud of butterflies, all colors, of different sizes, in the most jewel-like shimmering hues, fly around me; and one, most delicate, alights upon my startled hand to bid me welcome.

Have I happened into Paradise?

No, but I am visiting one of the most enchanting exhibits of live butterflies and tropical plantings of the Pacific Island Water Garden inside the Franklin Park Conservatory.

Where am I?

In the middle of the most wonderful experiences for both adults and children, the Conservatory’s annual “Blooms and Butterflies” event which lasts from March 10 – September 3, 2012 in Columbus, Ohio.

Who can resist this treat of living artwork flying among the equally entrancing art of Chihuly showcased among the exotic foliage and blooms of the Pacific rain forests? Let’s explore this dreamworld butterfly exhibit at the Franklin Park Conservatory with art and real, live butterflies, among the exotic flowers and plants.

Blooms and Butterflies Captured

About the “Blooms and Butterflies” Event

To enjoy more of these delicate creatures …find out about them

Newly emerged butterflies are released into the Pacific Island Water Garden at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Conservatory staff member will provide a short talk; this is a great opportunity to find out more facts than you might otherwise pick up from the exhibit itself.

Many species are tropical butterflies,from South America, Africa and the Caribbean, that most of us would not get a chance to see flying through the air. Some I remember seeing are the Paperkite, the Morpho, Orange Julia, and Glasswings. With 100 species represented, it is a field day for butterflies.

100 butterfly species in the Blooms and Butterflies

During the summer months, starting in June, emerging monarchs are released daily at 3 p.m. into the outside pollinators garden area.

Available inside the gift shop and greenhouse are Ohio native Painted Lady caterpillars to take home and observe the metamorphosis first hand. A wonderful way to extend the experience of the world of butterflies.

The Pacific Garden

Within the Conservatory are many climate zones, after seeing the butterflies in the Pacific garden, visit the rest.
Within the Conservatory are many climate zones, after seeing the butterflies in the Pacific garden, visit the rest. <

Learn More About Butterflies

Fun Lepidoptera Facts

https://youtube.com/watch?v=5yAoZ446j8U%3F

Butterfly Trivia

Facts like this…

Lifecycle of the Lepidoptera has four parts:

  1. egg
  2. larva (caterpillars)
  3. pupa (chrysalis)
  4. adult

Butterfly taste receptors are on their feet.

There are between 15,000 and 20,000 different species of butterfly.

Butterflies are insects with four wings.

They range in size from the very small 1/8 inch to almost 12 inches.

Butterflies see red, green, and yellow.

Top butterfly flight speed? 12 miles per hour.

If you would like to know more about butterflies through observing them, buy live caterpillars and follow directions helping them to cycle through their stages. Release the butterflies into your yard.

From The Common To The Exotic

Alighting on Lantana blooms
Alighting on Lantana blooms

Indoor Rainforest and Glass Sculptures

Chihuly glass sculptures made the perfect counterpoint to the bright movement of the butterflies
Chihuly glass sculptures made the perfect counterpoint to the bright movement of the butterflies

Pacific Island Water Garden

Where the butterfly exhibition takes place each year

As one of the largest exhibits in the Franklin Park Conservatory, located in Columbus Ohio, the Pacific Island Water Garden is packed with tropical plants.

Franklin Park Conservatory opened Blooms & Butterflies in 1994; it was the first conservatory in the nation to showcase a seasonal butterfly exhibition.

Described as follows,”the Pacific Island biome represents the diverse landscapes found on a volcanically formed island, dotted with tall, canopy covering trees, and flowering plants”, this part of the Conservatory is like a forest with all your favorite houseplants in giant size with many water features to enjoy.

This is the perfect place to discover the butterflies of the tropics- full of green foliage, flowers that rival the colorful butterflies and water features that create a little part of a paradise to explore. The art of Chihuly just adds the finishing flourish to a perfectly beautiful garden.

Visit in 2025

Blooms & Butterflies

Blooms & Butterflies opened 02-22-2025

closes 07-06-2025

Features In Franklin Park Conservatory

While the Butterfly exhibit is situated within the Pacific Tropical garden, there are other climate zone gardens in the conservatory building as well as a park outside.

A fun giftshop and cafe are also a part of the many parts of this botanical garden.

It is a beautiful venue for weddings, as my daughter’s wedding proved. We have pictures of what I felt was the most perfect marriage ceremony I’ve attended.

My daughter’s perfect indoor garden wedding.

Emerging Metamorphosis

One of the fascinating events in the Butterfly exhibition is watching the full grown butterflies emerging from their chrysalis cocoons. Every day they emerge, dry their wings, and become ready to fly within the enclosure of the biodome of the cloud forest.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=R6MUzhjljxI%3F

Make a Butterfly Garden

In your own yard you can make a butterfly destination paradise. Learn how to attract butterflies.

Flitting and Fluttering

https://youtube.com/watch?v=0YuUso0VmPg%3F

Art At The Conservatory

Glass Artist Featured in the Gardens

A little about the artist:

Dale Chihuly was introduced to glass while studying interior design at the University of Washington. He went to work at the Venini glass factory in Venice, later in his career he was honored with a solo exhibition, ‘Dale Chihuly objets de verre’, at the Musee des Arts Decoratifs, Palais du Louvre, in Paris. Besides his magnificent contribution to the world of art glass, he has worked as a teacher and mentor to many students of the art. He has also worked as a performance artist.

The Chihuly Resource Center in Franklin Park Conservatory is open during the following hours and by appointment: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.

An Artful Rain Forest

A pathway through the Pacific Rain Forest environment.
A pathway through the Pacific Rain Forest environment.

Dale Chihuly

>The glass works of art by Chihuly are an important part of the Butterfly Exhibit, and indeed, of the entire Conservatory, year-round.

Chihuly Sculptures – Franklin Park Conservatory makes the perfect frame

Chihuly sculptures
Chihuly sculptures

More To See At Franklin Park

There are permanent installations of Dale Chihuly’s glass art, but in 2010 there was a festival of colorful additions. The creative force of the staff at the Conservatory are always bringing something new and fresh for visitors.

There are live glassblowing demonstrations at the Hot Shop.

Although the Live Butterfly Exhibit,Blooms & Butterflies, lasts for only the months March through September, the Chihuly sculpture collection is worth seeing at all seasons.

The Franklin Park Conservatory art glass exhibition is the largest collection of Chihuly glass owned by any conservatory or botanical garden

Visiting Columbus? Flights Further Afield

© 2011 Ilona Erwin

Travel Ohio History Sites For Fun, Educational Daytrips

Travel Ohio History Sites For Fun, Educational Daytrips

by | Homeschool

Timeline Journey Through The Buckeye State

What Do You Know About The 17th State?

  There are many ways to explore history, but one avenue has a lot of family fun included. Take trips through the State of Ohio to visit the places you are learning about, and have hands on experiences about the times long ago in museums and adventure parks. Find historical markers and even make a challenge of traveling to the top fifteen (twenty, eventually) places in the history of Ohio. Along the way, especially during the summer season, there are areas of wonder and beauty, and plenty to keep the family entertained. It doesn’t have to cost and arm and a leg, either. So for fun entertainment, economical travel ideas, and plenty of Ohio history, a trip through the state might be one of the most memorable ways to enjoy learning and being together as a family you have ever had.
The 17th State:
Ohio joined the United States of America on February 19, 1803

Important Events – Landmarks in Time

It is said that the Iroquois Indian word for “beautiful river” is the origin of the state name, and the Ohio River has certainly done much to shape the boundary, literally. It forms the southern border while Lake Erie forms the northern one. The earliest history of our land was made by the Indian populations, some tribes and civilizations long gone before the White man arrived and some changing as different groups of native peoples were increasingly pushed west. A pioneer land that produced a number of the early presidents of this nation, a place where inventors and famous persons were born and their lives and work was formed. Ohio has plenty to teach us… guideposts along the timeline that have all sorts of stories to tell and to hear.

History Comes Alive

Blue Jacket: Warrior of the Shawnees (American Indian Lives) Blue Jacket: Warrior of the Shawnees (American Indian Lives) This is one of my favorite biographies of an American Indian Chief. Blue Jacket was the war chief of the Shawnees, a tribe that settled in mostly Central Ohio. The historical perspective is balanced and gives great insight into the tribal customs of the Shawnee. You will not regret time spent reading this well written and fascinating book.

A Travel In Time

Travel ideas taking history from earliest eras to today.

15 Suggested Historical Excursions

Indigenous Cultures, Woodland Tribes

Native Americans In The MidWest

What are some great ways to find out about history? Look through the following entries to find out facts, resources, and some of the history of this important member of the Union. Ohio, formed from the Northwest Territories became a state in 1803, but was that the beginning of its history? What sort of land was this before the European arrived? Who first settled this State and what struggles did the land witness? Here is a taste of some of the facts, some of the legends, and some of the story, to introduce you to the land bound by the Beautiful Ohio River.
  • Where was the first place white explorers and settlers entered the State?
  • Who were the Native American tribes here, and what were they like?
  • Why are there “Perry” place names around the shores of Lake Erie?
  • Why were cities or counties named those odd, but familiar names?
Those are the types of questions that can create our quest to know more of the past of this place.
The Buckeye State
Known as the “Buckeye State”, Ohio’s State Tree is The Buckeye, “Aesculus glabra”, so-called for its beautiful brown nuts with a similarity to the eye of a deer (male deer called a “buck”)
Hmmm, let’s see, where to start? How about right in the middle of the state, where I live? And how about early times when Indians were the sole human inhabitants of this land of hills and plains, Deep forests with massive trees, and shining,rippling streams and rivers at the edge of the largest fresh water lakes in the world?

The Ancients

1

The Serpent Mound in Adams County is not a lively place with amusement park atmosphere or rides, but it is an interesting place to see a prime example of the Mound Builder people’s work. There are many mounds and different earthworks throughout our state, but this is preserved and is a great place to enjoy a picnic and a quiet walk. It is also a geocache site. Serpent Mound is the largest serpent effigy in the world. Are you interested in following the trail of ancient earthworks?

Ohio’s Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound

Serpent Mound

Central Ohio And Ancient History

2

Olentangy Indian Caverns have been a local tourist attraction for many decades and there are lots of fun activities for a family outing. Besides taking a tour of the caves there is a miniature golf course, a gem mining experience, a museum and trading post, and it is nearby to other area attractions- the Columbus Zoo and Highbanks park (which has its own modest earthworks site). If you are looking for fun activities to pair with your history discovery, put this place on your bucket list. You may want to visit before the opportunity disappears forever. (It is closing)

3

Ohio Historical Center in Columbus will take a day to see all the exhibits. I think you should carry your bucket list of sights to see along with you, because you are going to find lots of information in the museum that makes this discovery trip richer. There is a fee for parking and entrance. This will grant you access to two levels of exhibits and quite a bit to see inside an air conditioned building. Ohio Village is also on the grounds, which replicates a town of circa the Civil War era. It holds special events, consult their Calendar.

Upper Sandusky

 

4

Indian Mill gives insights into the Wyandotte tribe and the early interactions between Indians, the American government and the small community of free and slave blacks who settled here after the War of 1812. Overland Inn Museum is also in this area, for a pleasant drive in Upper Sandusky.

Captured By Indians, Daniel Boone Blazed The Trail To Ohio

Life of Daniel Boone, The The Life of Daniel Boone An exciting life of one of the first white settlers to enter this part of the nation and settle here (for awhile). Captured by Indians and made a member of their tribe, he escaped and returned to his family… this was but one of the larger than life adventures of this early American.

Zoar Village

Zoar Village

Vintage engraving of Zoar Village

Northern Ohio Discovery

5

Zoar Village is a restored village of the religious Separatists. Ten restored building with costumed interpreter staff to give a Williamsburg-like experience of life and products of this pre-Civil war community that exists within a living community of private homes. Visitors can also buy nineteenth-century reproduction wares.
>Plan your visit between April and late October- things are closed up during winter months. Homeschoolers may be interested in Spring Homeschool Day with special events and pricing. April 27 @ 10:00 am – 4:00 pm

6

Oliver Hazard Perry is pretty famous in the Great Lakes history, and there are many natural things to see while enjoying the beautiful Lake Erie Firelands area. Plan a trip to Kelleys Island, crossing the water in a ferry boat to arrive on a large Island. Visit Inscription rock and see the bare rocks that illustrate how glacial grooves were carved across the land in the last ice age. Lots of opportunities to camp, swim, and fish. I’ve always loved the Lake Erie shore and there are lots of activities for family vacations. If you get tired of the history and want to indulge in plain old fun go to Cedar Point! It is one of the premier Amusement Parks and calls itself the “Roller Coaster Capital”. Cedar Point Amusement Park is located in Sandusky, on the Sandusky Bay.

Hanker for Archaeology?

7

More for Ancient Indian and Indian culture aficionados, The Sun Watch Indian Village, in Dayton, has interpretive center and a store with lots of books and crafts. Restored prairie. Their programs and events, and more about what they offer can be found on their site.

Ohio Documentary, Quick Synopsis

Find Landmarks

Map of the State

Ohio Map

Ohio Map

8

Zanes Trace started out as an Indian trail, but became a major trail in early exploration days( until after the War of 1812 ). Travel through the cities of Zanesville, Lancaster, and Chillicothe followed this pathway leading to the Northwest Territory’s early development. If you start at Wheeling, you can simultaneously travel the National Road. Visit Degenhart Paperweight & Glass Museum in Cambridge, OH, and see the John and Annie Glenn Historic Site in that vicinity.

9

Nothing tells a story better than a stage play, and the historical drama of Tecumseh is one of the most popular. Depicting Ohio country of the early 1800’s with the tale of one of the most famous of Indian Chiefs. Located at 5948 Marietta Road, Chillicothe, OH. | Phone: 740-775-4100

10

One of my favorite areas is the Hocking Hills of the Southwestern part of the state. I have long loved visiting Old Man’s Cave for hikes. But did you know there is a Hocking Hills Train Tour that will take you on travel into times when Railroads forged a westward track through the nation? Find out more: 33 W. Canal Street, Nelsonville Phone: 800-967-7834 Traveling Train Tour for an unusual and memorable daytrip adventure.

11

If you like self guided tours and want to see actual log cabins of the original pioneers, built by them and lived in, you are going to like Caesar’s Creek Pioneer Village. Supported by entry fees. The two routes that pioneers followed to enter the Northwest territory as the lands were known at the time:
  • Zane’s Trace overland route
  • Via the Ohio River.
The oldest settlement was Martin’s Ferry, while Marietta claims to be the oldest permanent settlement (the official explanation is that “Martins Ferry remained an unincorporated settlement for a relatively long time”). Building log cabins much like those seen in the Pioneer Village from the copious giant trees of forests that covered the territory, settlers soon began filling the forested wilderness with farms and then cities. From Lake Erie in the North and the Ohio River in the south, settlers made their way into the interior of what is now the Buckeye State.

12

The Statehouse is full of significance and is home to an  Abraham Lincoln monument. Take tours of the Statehouse in Columbus, Ohio, There are many types available.

13

Thomas Edison, an inventor who lastingly impacted our lives has a birthplace museum in Milan. Rare exhibits of examples of many of Edison’s early inventions along with mementos and documents, the museum has the distinction of being run by members of the great inventor’s family.

14

If you want to investigate more of the Civil War time history, there are many places that served as Underground Railroad stations for slaves fleeing slavery in hopes of a life of freedom. One of the entry points was the John Rankin House in Ripley, OH.

15

Johnston Farm & Indian Agency in Piqua covers Native American, Frontier, and Canal History with lots to see and do. You might call it a one stop for all your history needs if time and travel are limited. Farmhouse tours, Canal boat rides, an education center and many events means that your family will have both a learning experience and lots of entertainment.

From Native Indian History to Early Settlers

American Indian faces portrait

American Indian faces portrait

Source: Wikipedia Commons

Milan, Ohio Was Home To Thomas Edison

Edison: A Life of Invention Edison: A Life of Invention Thomas Edison invented what arguably might have most changed life for everyone in the modern age: the light bulb. Combine a daytrip to his museum along with some background reading of his biography. Especially interesting to homeschoolers since he was homeschooled by his mother, due to struggles with academic learning. Thomas Edison, home in Ohio

Biographies for History Insights

The combination of learning history through visiting sites and reading the biographies of those who shaped their world is powerful. Get a perspective that is full of living drama and pertinence.

INSPIRED YOU TO EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF THE PLACES YOU VISIT, YET?

Do you think this is a fun way to learn history?

Athens in Hocking County

Ohio was once the Northwest Territory

The Northwest was not always the description of Washington State or Oregon. It once was the furthermost frontier for pioneers. Read about those times when our nation was first forged: 1720 through 1830.

This Was Once The West

The Ohio Frontier: Crucible of the Old Northwest, 1720-1830 (A History of the Trans-Appalachian Frontier) The Ohio Frontier: Crucible of the Old Northwest, 1720-1830 (A History of the Trans-Appalachian Frontier) Many events of history, heroes and villains created the nation we know as the United States. It is a fascinating story with the clash of English, French, Indians and early pioneers and patriots.

Ohio History Facts

  • Claimed by France and considered part of “New France” during the 17th Century
  • 1756 – 1763 French and Indian War is fought to determine whether the territory is French or British in domain.
  • The American Revolution
  • Treaty of Greenville ends the Indian Wars in the state.
  • Official Date of Statehood : March 1, 1803
  • 1842- The date that the last Indian tribe, the Wyandot, leave Ohio.

The Mighty Ohio River

Quick Facts in Ohio History

  1. Chillicothe was Ohio’s first capital city.
  2. Ohio’s state fossil is the trilobite. Lots of them are to be found in the native limestone.State Animal? White Tail Deer.The state stone is Flint. You may wish to visit the museum at Flint Ridge which has all sorts exhibits to learn about the ancient flint quarry at the site. (Located at 15300 Flint Ridge Rd in Glenford, OH)
  3. Abraham Lincoln visited the Statehouse here three different times
  4. Marietta was the first permanent settlement and was named in honor of Queen Marie Antoinette of France.
  5. Daniel Boone was held captive by the Shawnee tribe near the Seven Caves area in Ohio. The area can be visited by going to the the Seven Caves Nature Preserve
  6. State Motto: “With God, all things are possible”
  7. In 1835, boundary disputes between Michigan and Ohio cause the Toledo War- so it wasn’t always about football!

Hearkening to the 1800’s

https://youtu.be/vZVthtyBgrM  

German Immigrants Comprised 26% Of The People And Culture

Random Facts And Strange Tales

Strange Tales Book Cover

Exciting Places To Visit, Interesting Things to Know

The Ohio History Center

The States center for many historical exhibits about Ohio from its earliest history through to our modern age. Located in the vicinity of OSU campus in Columbus, Ohio. https://youtu.be/ztVrlT1jjRc

Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park

To Conquer the Air: The Wright Brothers and the Great Race for Flight To Conquer the Air: The Wright Brothers and the Great Race for Flight Now, we take flight for granted, but it started with the successful invention and bravado of the Wright Brothers

Up, Up, And Away

Dayton holds plenty of aviation history and museums to mark all the important highlights. Want to know more about the astronaut who became a state senator? Look no further than the JOHN & ANNIE GLENN HISTORIC SITE in New Concord, Ohio. Additionally the National Road/Zane Grey Museum is in the same place, so you get more than one era and lots to look at in this one trip. 72 W. Main Street New Concord, OH 43762 May – October Wed. – Sat.: 10 – 4 Sunday: 1 – 4

Pickets Shop in Sea Grove

by | Travel adventures

Angela McRae took a visit in 2007, and I have my own pictures and post that I will be doing this week. But wanted to share these lovely views from another person’s perspective.

Last week I had the chance to visit, once again, one of my very favorite “beach shops,” Pickets in Seagrove Beach, Fla. I love going in a shop where it’s quiet, not rowdy, and soft music is playing. This one features items any gardener would love, and the owner also stocks lovely tea towels, dishes, napkins and other goodies for the table. I got four pale, robin’s egg blue placemats to match the new furniture on the deck back home, which has that particular shade of blue (and brown) on the upholstery of the cushions and umbrella.

 

 

I posted my own pictures and article on the “Pickets” gift shop and garden in Seagrove, Florida! Originally appeared in the blogspot site which moved to my “Home Garden Companion” domain.

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