Blooms and Butterflies at the Franklin Park Conservatory

I love butterflies! Each year from March to September, the Franklin Park Conservatory in Columbus, Ohio presents "Blooms and Butterflies," a showcase of over 100 kinds of butterflies.

Butterflies from all over the world emerge from their chrysalises and are released in the Conservatory's Pacific Island Water Garden. Beautiful blooms provide the nectar for the butterflies to thrive and flutter among the plants and visitors to the garden. Staff members release the butterflies twice a day, or you can sign up to release a butterfly and watch it take flight.

Spend an hour or two sitting among the tropical plants and flowers watching the different kinds of butterflies surround you. Sit still long enough, and one may land on you for closer inspection of its color and wing shape. See which plants attract the most or just relax and enjoy the sights around you.

During the summer months, the outdoor garden will attract species native to Ohio. Learn which plants and flowers will attract butterflies to your garden.

Admission for adults is $7.50, $6.00 for seniors and students, and $4.00 for children 2-12. Those under the age of 2 are admitted free. The exhibit for 2008 runs from March 15 to September 7. Be sure to visit all the rooms and exhibits of the Conservatory while you are there.