Did they do that last year too? If they did, I missed it.

I'm glad you're posting all of this Violet. I forget to look sometimes and miss stuff. I need to get out my calendar and put it on there so I'll remember.

No, it's new this year!

Should be an excellent exhibit.
They're putting a lot of work into it, and schools will be allowed to schedule field trips.

I'll try to keep up with posting gardening events here. I know there are some local gardening sites that post events but I have yet to see one that is comprehensive that covers all related organizations. I always wonder how people find out about things like that.

If I find time, I'd like to make another comprehensive calendar like the one I made available here years ago.

I love to go to Close Garden. I will be looking forward to the butterfly house. I am almost more interested in the caterpillars and what to feed them than the butterflies themselves. I watch them on milkweed and fennel.

With the recent publicity that Close Memorial got at the News-Leader, I would be concerned for the butterfly house! This is a really neat attraction, and something that Springfield could use, but concerned about having it at the unsecured Close Memorial. It is a shame and very poor statement about our society pointed out in the article.

Welcome Rabone! Glad you joined in. I'll put a link to the article below for others. Hope they are able to catch the people who did it. What a shame. It just ruins it for everyone. So much volunteer work and donations have gone into that park, they've been able to keep it free for the public, but when things like that happen, the expences skyrocket.

Thank you Violet. A calendar would be nice. You said, I always wonder how people find out about things like that.
Sometimes I find out when they have a story about it in the paper after it's already over. lol
We need to get some Arkansas garden events on there too.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vandals leave behind a feeling of betrayal

That is a shame. Every time I go there I see a variety of people enjoying the park; it is a shame that a few can ruin it.

If we let fear of vandalism deter us from building anything nothing would be built. Yes there has been vandalism but those issues are being addressed. The Botanical Building will soon be a reality so along with it's construction will come extra security for the park as a whole.

We have lots of volunteer opportunities to help with the house and festival. This is going to be great fun and a wonderful learning experience!!!!!

There will be another planning meeting for the Butterfly Festival Wednesday, March 4, at 5:30 p.m. in the barn classroom at Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park. Directions are below.

To Rutledge-Wilson Farm Community Park:

From Sunshine:
 West on Sunshine
 Right onto West Bypass
 Take first left- Farm Road 146
 RW Farm is approximately 1 mile down FR 146 on the right hand side. We will be meeting in the classroom in the big red barn. You may follow the parking lot all the way around behind the barn to park near the door.

Here is a link that might be useful: Map to Rutledge-Wilson

New to the gardens this year, the butterfly house lets you get an up-close look at native butterflies as they transform from egg to caterpillar, from caterpillar to chrysalis, and finally from chrysalis to butterfly! Interpretive guides will help you find critters and answer your butterfly questions.

In the Butterfly Garden
Explore a garden of host plants for caterpillars and butterflies! This garden showcases plants to attract an amazing variety of butterflies to the home landscape. Chase a butterfly or two and pick up some ideas to try at home!


In the Park
Take a tour of the botanical gardens!
Get friendly with live animals at the Caterpillar Petting Zoo!
Make your own Butterfly & Caterpillar Crafts!
Learn about Host Plants and Butterfly Gardening!
Shop for Butterfly Host Plants and Garden Accents!


Saturday, July 11
Festival Activities and Butterfly House open 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

9:00 Class: Butterfly Photography Learn tips and tricks for capturing butterflies on film and practice new techniques in the gardens. **Class size is limited; to register for this class call 823-9966 or e-mail naturelens @ aol.com
10:00 Class: Butterfly Identification Get to know your backyard visitors.
11:30 Class: Gardening for Butterflies Learn to attract butterflies to your home landscape.
12:00 Butterfly & Caterpillar Costume Contests Dress for success in your best homemade butterfly or caterpillar costume and meet around the statue in the butterfly garden.

Sunday, July 12
Festival Activities and Butterfly House open 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

12:00 Butterfly & Caterpillar Costume Contests Dress for success in your best homemade butterfly or caterpillar costume and meet around the statue in the butterfly garden.
1:00 Class: Butterfly Identification Get to know your backyard visitors.
2:30 Class: Gardening for Butterflies Learn to attract butterflies to your home landscape.