BACK TO DOW GARDENS

In April I purchased a season pass to Dow Gardens and promised myself I would visit often. Today was my third visit. I could hardly believe the changes. The tulips that were barely sending up leaves my last visit were now in full bloom. Beautiful pink flowers traced the graceful structure of the Red Bud . The delightful fragrance of Lilacs was everywhere. Crab apples were overloaded with blooms and the Rhododendrons were about to open. Enjoy some of the highlights of my walk in the Garden.

SERENE WALK

I recently posted about my visit to "butterflies in bloom" at the Dow Gardens Conservatory. Although there were a couple of school buses in the parking lot, the groups of school children were exiting the Gardens as I entered, leaving me to enjoy a quiet, peaceful walk along the path to the Conservatory. These pictures were taken as I walked to and from the butterfly exhibit.

BUTTERFLIES IN BLOOM

This is the time of the year when many conservatories thrill visitors with butterfly releases. The conservatory at Dow Gardens is relatively small but that didn't minimize the excitement of watching dozens of butterflies flitting around enjoying the flower and artificial nectar. Can you identify these butterflies?