Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a world class park with world
class attractions in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is more than a garden, it is
a community and area treasure with many aspects of the fine arts on
permanent and traveling displays. Listed below are the major attractions:
- The Sculpture Park
- Gallery Collection
- Garden Trails & Conservatory Collection
- Sculpture Exhibitions
- Children's Garden
- Outdoor Concert Stage
Because there are so many aspects to the gardens, I will only discuss
The Conservatory Gardens in this article. Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory
is more than 5 stories tall and features tropical plants from 5 continents as
well as waterfalls and misty streambeds. Palms reaching over 30 feet amidst
banana and coconut trees, bromeliads, and a changing display of over 3500
types of orchid plants in their collection.
They have an annual Butterfly Exhibit in the conservatory every spring
starting in late March and running through the middle of April. Hundreds of
butterfly cocoons are brought in and they hatch at different times so there
are always tropical butterflies to see. They have special feeding stations set
up through out the conservatory for them. There is also a special entry
constructed to go and out of so the butterflies do not escape the conservatory
environment where they would perish because of the lower temperature
outside.
The conservatory is always kept about 80 degrees for the tropical plants.
Stepping into this in the middle of winter is a real treat. There is a waterfall
you can walk under, plus a bridge and a winding circular pathway through the
conservatory gardens where the permanent orchid exhibit can be seen.
There is always something blooming in conservatory. Why don't you treat
yourself and your family soon? If you haven't been to the Frederick Meijer
Gardens & Sculpture Park, you should plan a trip to Grand Rapids soon.
Frederick Meijer Childrens Garden
Frederick Meijer Outdoor Sculpture Park
The Butterfly Exhibit at Meijer Gardens
Major Renovation Planned for Meijer Gardens
Westbrook Realty ~ Grand Rapids Michigan Real Estate
Copyright 2008 All rights reserved
photo of the conservatory & butterfly from meijer garden by Bonnie Westbrook
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