Frederik Meijer Gardens

Had a fun day today. Went to Grand Rapids to the Frederic Meijer Gardens. We mainly went to the Butterfly Display in the Tropical Conservatory. The sun was shining so the butterflies were flying. I was a bit disappointed because there wasn't a great variety of butterflies this year. Love to see the blue Common Morpho but didn't see any. I didn't get good photos of the butterflies either. My finger on the camera was always just a fraction of a second too late to get a picture with the wings spread out. Love to see the beautiful orchids and other flowers too.
Here are my friends cozying up to Frederic and Lena Meijer.








Leonardo Davinci's Horse is a big attraction at the gardens. It is a 24 foot bronze horse, the largest horse sculpture in the Western henisphere. It is one of only two of its kind in the world. The other one is in Milan, Italy. Leonardo da Vinci was commissioned to create the largest horse sculpture 500 years ago. His clay model was used by invading French troops for crossbow practice!!! And that ended the horse until some major supporters commissioned sculptor Nina Akamu to create the two horses for Grand Rapids and Milan.










These next photos were all taken in the conservatory.










There are garden trails, many different styles of gardens, sculptures throughout the park, an amphitheater, an indoor museum, restaurant and on and on. If anyone is ever traveling through Grand Rapids be sure to allow time for a visit. You won't be sorry.
Hmmm, do you suppose the Gardens would hire me to promote the place?!!!