On March 15 I visited the Frederik Meijer Gardens with my good friend Andrea, to take in the warmth and butterflies of the arboretum. If you have never been, I recommend the experience. After a winter like that of 2013-2014, any warmth is welcome, and a tropical rain forest is the perfect getaway. Only down side: more people than butterflies. If you can choose a time, go in the morning, preferrably on a weekday. No line to speak of, and fewer people in general. Afternoon on a Saturday is kind of crazy. Anyway: here are some photos. The full set is here on Flickr.

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Red Passion Flower butterfly. Good name.

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“Paper Kite” butterfly. And when you see them flying around…yeah, they kind of do look like they fit the name.

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This one fluttered a little too low.

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Emerald Swallowtail. I think this is my favorite of the butterflies on display.