White Henry Lily

The lily has been a symbol of purity and resurrection of life since ancient times. One of the first plants grown by humankind for beauty instead of food, the lily remains as popular as ever today. The fragrant, white-flowered types are meant to attract hummingbird-like sphinx moths to pollinate them. Their scent and color help attract crepuscular moths (those active at dawn and dusk) and nocturnal moths. For this reason, white lilies are an ideal plant choice for evening and moon gardens. They show beautifully in night-lighting or moonlight and the moths that come to pollinate are an entertaining sight.
Photo: Sean Kenney Studios

Hummingbird and Trumpet Flower

You can tell a lot about a bird by its beak. Each bird is perfectly adapted to its main type of food. Hummingbirds have long narrow beaks that allow them to drink nectar from deep within a flower. Beyond their beaks, hummingbirds inspire wonder for their incredible engineering! They are the only bird that can fly in any direction, including backward, with wing beats of 60 per second. Although many weigh less than a penny, these tiny creatures can migrate for thousands of miles and fly across the Gulf of Mexico. Humans have learned many lessons about aerodynamics and flight from the hummingbird. Many species co-evolved, seen here by the shape of the tube-shaped trumpet flower which matches the long, narrow beak of a hummingbird.

Monarch on Milkweed

The Monarch butterfly is known for its relatively large size and beautiful orange-red and black scaled wings. It owes this beautiful color combination to its host plant—the milkweed. When Monarch caterpillars feed on milkweed, they ingest the plant’s toxins, which in turn make the adult butterflies toxic to predators. The Monarch’s coloration is a classic warning for predators in the natural world to stay away. The milkweed plant also provides nectar-rich flowers for the adult Monarch butterfly to survive for its migration.
Photo: Sean Kenney Studios

Birds Versus Squirrels

Communication is one way animals stay connected. Communication through bird calls can be between individuals of the same species or even across species.
Photo: Sean Kenney Studios

Milk Snake and Mouse

These two animals represent a perfect example of how a balanced ecosystem works. Mice provide food for the snake, and the snake keeps mice populations at optimum levels to preserve their shared habitat.
Photo: Sean Kenney Studios

Praying Mantis

Mantids are extraordinary predatory insects that eat just about anything small enough for them to catch. They are called “praying” because of the way they hold their extra-strong unique forelegs, which they use to catch and hold prey. The American native Carolina Mantid depicted here is considered a beneficial insect because it helps balance outbreaks of pest species. The larger Chinese Mantid is often depicted, but it is an introduced species that is becoming invasive. The Chinese Mantid has the potential to damage rare insects, especially in remnants of rare wildlands like prairies.

Photo: Sean Kenney Studios

Gardener (Female)

Because humans are on the top of the food chain, our activities have deep-rooted and often permanent impacts on our planet. Individual effort, whether through the preservation of wild lands or the simple act of responsibly tending a garden, makes a significant impact on nature.
Photo: Sean Kenney Studios

Photo Op Cut-Out

Guests can be part of the exhibit. This mosaic cut out allows people to photograph themselves as part of the display.
Photo: Sean Kenney Studios

On-Going Activities

Build Opportunities: Play and Build station with LEGO Pieces
Fun for all ages in the Lora Robins Library! More information coming soon.

Brick Quest! 
Pick up a special edition of Brick Quest (a scavenger hunt for kids of all ages) at the admissions desk during the exhibition and follow the clues to six special sculptures throughout the Garden.

The Art of Play

The Art of Play promises moments of joy, whimsy and enchantment with art exploring how playful interactions can create connection and conversation.

See What's Happening in the Children's Garden