Frederik Meijer Garden, A Cure for Spring Fever

The month of April in Michigan was unseasonably cold and wet this year. To cure my spring fever, a trip to Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculptor Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan (USA) provided a temporary relief from the drab weather! The popular tourist attraction didn’t disappoint. I was pleased to see large planters filled with traditional Spring arrivals in bright colors and the conservatory was warm and sunny with perfect humidity! View my photography and learn about Meijers Gardens, tropical butterflies and bromeliads along with the famous glass sculptor Chililuly with videos included.

Meijer Gardens History in Brief

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculputre Park is a 132 acre botanical garden and outdoor sculpture park located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA. In its conception, fifteen years of planning became a realistic venture when in 1991 the West Michigan Horticultural Society approached Frederik Meijer about donating a parcel of land owned by Meijer, Inc. The company owns and operates the Midwest grocery chain department stores in competition with Walmarts. The first store was founded during the Great Depression by Hendrik Meijer, a Dutch-American, who’s first employees included his grocery bagger son, Frederik, at the age of fourteen. The land for the gardens is but one of Frederik's many generous contributions to the region.

The distinctive signature of the park and gardens satisfies Meijer’s goal to unite the visual art of humankind and the visual art or nature. It has quickly become Michigan’s second largest tourist attraction with 600,000 visitors annually, and is funded almost entirely by private donations.

The Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory

Highlight of the now famous tourist site is Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory. It features a rocky landscape housing plants from around the world. Visitors set their eyes on coconut palms from the Pacific, exotic orchids from Central and South America, bamboo and banana trees from Asia and fig trees from India!

I was taken by the many bromeliads in bloom, but near the end of my photo essay I include photos of several other blooming varieties from my visit that chilly winter day!

What is a Bromeliad?

There are a number of bromeliads housed at the Meijer Gardens. The most well known bromeliad is the pineapple. But this tropical plant family contains a wide variety including some very un-pineapple-like members such as Spanish Moss, which is neither Spanish nor a moss. Other members resemble yuccas or aloes while still others look like green, leafy grasses.

All bromeliads are composed around a base of leaves that spiral to form a rosette which may overlap tightly to form a water reservoir. This central cup also collects whatever leaf litter and insects happen to land in it.

A distinct feature of bromelaids is they can grow in a variety of situations, from the sunny beaches to the shady forest floor. Some can grow on rocks, trees and other plants. This capability to take their nutrition and moisture from the atmosphere has earned these bromeliads the name "Air Plants".

Bromeliads only flower a single time. Once the plant stops producing its flower, it will not make new leaves. It will, however, produce new plantlets called "offsets". These plants will feed off the mother plant until they are large enough to set roots of their own and survive as a separate plant. The mother may sometimes survive a generation or two before finally dying off.

Butterflies of the Tropical Conservatory

Each March and April, the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory is home to the largest tropical butterfly exhibition in the nation. Thousands of butterflies, imported as chrysalises from Africa, Asia, and South and Central America, fly freely within the conservatory.The five-story conservtory features tranquil waterfalls and streams winding around lush vegetation.

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The dazzling Common Morpho can be commonly seen at Meijers Gardens!

The Common Morpho belongs to the family of brush-footed butterflies. Insects, including butterflies, have six legs, but the front legs of brush-footed butterflies are reduced to small brushes. The common Morpho has iridescent powder blue wings when opened and a camouflage pattern on the underside. Unlike many of the other butterflies I saw during my visit, the Morpho immediately closes its wings soon as it lands on a leaf, seldom opening them. Either way, it is beautiful!

. . . and Longwing Butterflies

The Small Postman from Central and South America belongs to the family of "Longwing" butterflies. They are named for their long, narrow shaped wings. They taste terrible to predators and warn them with bright colors and distinctive patterns.

Other Meijer Gardens Attractions

The other main attraction is at Fredrik Meijer Gardens includes, The Sculpture Program, showcasing three temporary exhibitions annually. Among numerous permanent sculptures, one outstanding feature is the three story "The American Horse" created in homage to Leonardo da Vinci’s original commission by the Duke of Milan. There are also selected works by world renowned sculptors, Rodin and Degas, as well as more contemporary sculptors.

The facility hosts various garden themes including the, The Japanese Garden, Children’s Garden Center, the Woodland Shade Garden, the Michigan Farm Garden and many displays highlighting Victorian and seasonal gardens. There are nature trails meandering throughout acres of natural wetlands, woodlands and meadows.

Additional attractions include an outdoor amphitheater with summer concerts, a horticulture and sculpture library, and a Christmas exhibit embracing cultures of more than 40 countries with 300,000 twinkling lights.

A Few More Photos of Blooming Plants at the Gardens

Chihuly glass sculptors enhance the gardens and indoor settings!

The Glass Sculptor Genius

I first heard of Chihuly last summer when I visited the Krasl Art Museum in St. Joe, Michigan where I grew up. One of his exquisite glass chandeliers was showcased in the foyer. I must have starred at it for five minutes. It was so beautiful and a verifiable wonder.

Chihuly’s lifelong affinity for glasshouses has grown into a series of exhibitions within botanical settings including several pieces at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculptor Park. His work is included in more than two hundred museum collections worldwide. He has been the recipient of many awards, including ten honorary doctorates and two fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Chihuly's Website

• Chihuly Exhibit at Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park - YouTube
  Take a tour of Dale Chihuly's A New Eden exhibit at Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Chihuly's glass art is installed throughout ...

Chihuly a world class sculptor!

• Kathi's "Fossillady's" Artwork Collection: Florals
  Browse through images in Kathi Mirto's Floral collection.

© 2011 Kathi Mirto

Comments

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on April 25, 2013:

I completely agree Barbara Kay! Thanks for stopping by!

Hugs, Kathi

Barbara Badder from USA on April 24, 2013:

We really need a special place to put links to all the Michigan hubs. There are so many great places to visit here.

You've done a spectacular job and I love the photos.

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on April 24, 2013:

Maybe its time to treat yourself to a visit there! Go for it Michelle!

Michelle Liew from Singapore on April 24, 2013:

Exquisite pictures. I was thinking of Gardens by the bay that we have in Singapore. Thanks for sharing!

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on January 16, 2013:

Hello Patricia, you're very fortunate to be in Florida this time of year and have bromeliads coming up. The only place they grow here are in planetariums or in our homes! Still sending Angles to Stephanie, Jay and you need them just as much if not more!

Patricia Scott from North Central Florida on January 16, 2013:

Hi I love these little gardens I do have spring fever as we are having spring weather here in North Florida and have been for a few weeks. Now I see the temps are to drops about 35 degrees by the weekend. I have gotten spoiled.

I will be making more of these..they are lovely. The bromeliads are breathtaking. I have two that are growing pups. How cool is that.

Thanks for sharing Voted up :) ps

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on December 16, 2012:

Thank you mutual Michigan Lover! It would be worth the trip. Only you're no longer in Michigan....right? At any rate, It's nice to hear from you! Warm wishes, Kathi

MichiganLover on December 16, 2012:

This brings back memories. I've only been here once about 10 or 12 years ago with my mother. Your photos make me want to visit again. Beautifully done.

Greensleeves Hubs from Essex, UK on November 18, 2012:

Very fine photos you've taken and presented here Fossillady from these Gardens and Parks. I particularly like the blend of purple and green in the coleus leaves. The video and the chandeliers are also beautiful. One of the most beautiful hubs I've seen. Voted up accordingly. Alun.

Suzette Walker from Taos, NM on September 16, 2011:

What a beautiful hub! And your writing is exquisite. The photos are fantastic. When ever I am in Michigan I'll have to check out these gardens.

Dale Chihuhly: Don't you just love his glasswork? It is beautiful and you have captured it in the photos. In Naples, we have an art museum and one whole floor is glasswork by Chihuhly. He did a most beautiful glassblown work covering an entire ceiling of everything found in Florida. The flora, the fauna, the shells, the animals, fish, birds, etc. It is something else.

Epi pointed me to your hubs and he is so right. These are outstanding.

Rosemary Sadler from Hawkes Bay - NewZealand on September 10, 2011:

This is absolutely beautiful, those images are just tremendous.

Eiddwen from Wales on July 12, 2011:

This is an amzing hub and one which I am bookmarking.The pictures,colours etc. are beautiful !!

Here's to many more hubs to share.

Take care

Eiddwen.

Naomi's Banner on July 03, 2011:

Fossilady I paint from photos often times so pics like these are perfect so if you will go to my profile and send me am e- mail of price you would sell for per pic.

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on July 03, 2011:

Hi Dave, sorry I haven't responded till now, but I've been busy with a summer job! Glad you liked my hub and appreciate your comments as always! Take Care, Kathi

Dave from Lancashire north west England on June 27, 2011:

Hi Kathi nothing but praise for this hub. Very informative with excellent photographs. I appreciate how much work you have put into creating this hub,well done. Best wishes to you

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on June 21, 2011:

Thank you Audrey and sorry so late, I've been so busy lately trying to keep my head above water with new jobs and all! I miss the regular connection and it's so good to see your profile and hear from you! You are so kind! Hope everything is well with you! Hugs, Kathi

Audrey Hunt from Pahrump NV on June 16, 2011:

Wow - Kathi! I went through every descriptive word in my dictionary, looking for just the right one to express how I feel about this hub - none exsists. All I can say is that your photos are absolutely radiant! You must be from another planet, because such a talent doesn't exsist on earth. I am honored to know you and I thank you from the center of my heart. Much love, vc :)

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on June 16, 2011:

He Colin, Things are a bit shaky on this end, but I know me and my son who lives with me will come out of it smelling like a rose! I have a job interview today that looks promising! The dreary weather has returned after a few days of beautiful sunshine! Betters days ahead! I will drop you a letter soon!

epigramman on June 15, 2011:

Hello Kathi - I just awoke from my slumber after the night shift thing and it's currently 1:10pm on a Wednesday afternoon here on the northern shores of Lake Erie - I am going to put your name back on my introduction profile page again to try and get you some more lucky followers - all is well with my family of 2 and me of course -lol - there was a lovely full moon last night over the lake and today is a gorgeous summer's day and the water is so crystal clear - well Kathi, many a day during the winter you and I would talk about waiting for a day like this and now it's finally here - I sincerely hope all is well with your family, drop me a little letter when you have time and I will sent a reply .......June 15th

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on June 15, 2011:

Thank you for the great compliment Eiddwen! I hope you have a nice day! Cheers

Eiddwen from Wales on June 14, 2011:

What a beautiful hub and I am pushing all buttons for this one and bookmarking into my favourite hubs.

thank you for sharing and take care

Eiddwen.

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on June 07, 2011:

Hello Naomi, thank you dearly for a nice comment! What did you have in mind, very curious?

Naomi's Banner from United States on June 05, 2011:

Epigramman recommended your site to me as I am an artist. Interestingly enough the majority of my subjects are close ups of flowers, rocks etc. You are a beautiful photographer capturing the beauty with just the right amount of light. Keep up the good work. We might have to talk a little business over these pics!! E-mail me.

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 31, 2011:

Good to see you Blue and hope your days ahead are brighter!

Annette Donaldson from Northern Ireland on May 27, 2011:

Kathi, I was having a blue day today and had to re-visit to gaze upon the fantastic photography again. xx

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 20, 2011:

Thank you so much Kay

Kay Creates from Ohio on May 20, 2011:

Beautiful hub. I enjoyed your gorgeous photos.

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 20, 2011:

You're quite welcome, thanks for stopping by Micky!

Micky Dee on May 20, 2011:

This is so beautiful. Thank you ma'am!

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 19, 2011:

Can't wait! I'm laughing already!

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on May 19, 2011:

Fossi, I'm not sure Martie is getting married..I just have that feeling..I might be all wet..I have a feeling Docmo is going to take us somewhere out-of-this-world..He puts so much work into all of his Hubs, it's gotta be BIG.

See U Later Girlfriend

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 19, 2011:

Oh my gosh, that last sentence took me by surprise! I feel for her!

I'll see what I can do about a story, but it might to be awhile cause I'm so busy right now, yuck. I haven't been on the hub lately this past week. I've been waiting for Docmo to take us somewhere! The Royal Wedding was great! So Martie is getting married? Good for her. Take care girlfriend!

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on May 18, 2011:

Fossi, Little did we know we were going to the Royal Wedding. We had a hoot !! I'm ready for Domco to take us somewhere only he can conjure up. Don't be surprised to be invited to something big in June..Martie said, " It's going to be a Mother of a party " I have this feeling it's her wedding, but it's only a guess. Get your party hat on and take us somewhere, maybe a flower garden, or heck, a dance would cool my scoot'n boots. LOL Take care my friend....Oh i forgot Petra wants to go with us, She told me she wanted to go anywhere, you know she just lost her husband.

Cheers Girlfriend

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 18, 2011:

Hi Movie Master, Epi is good at bringing people together! You're words are very kind! Sorry to hear about the spring flowers in UK drying up. We've had so much rain here in Michigan USA. Don't fret, soon summer will bring more! Pray for rain!

Movie Master from United Kingdom on May 17, 2011:

Hi Fossillady, epigramman recommended you to me! and what a treat!! I love this hub, your photography is breathtaking, spring came early in the UK, it's been so dry the flowers didn't last too long, they were beautiful while they did, thanks for sharing your cure for spring fever!

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 08, 2011:

I love your expressions bluestar! Good to see you, I really appreciate you kind comment!

Thank you chs, it was surely an inspiring trip! Thank you for stopping by today! I recognize you from around the hub! Writing children's books is something we have in common. Now if only I could get published, how about you?

chspublish from Ireland on May 08, 2011:

Great photos - lovely colours, the beauty of nature is so clear in these shots. Very inspiring!

Annette Donaldson from Northern Ireland on May 08, 2011:

Hi Kathi, wow what a kaliedascope of colours. Fantastic hub and stunning photography. I was visiting with you and it sure warmed the cockles of my heart. x

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 07, 2011:

Thank you so much Will, sorry so late to respond, it's been crazy busy around here the past few days!

WillSteinmetz on May 03, 2011:

This is amazing, very beautiful flower of the world.

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 03, 2011:

Thank you for stopping by Debby! Off to the garden center you go...lol! Happy shopping! :o)

Thank you Mark!

Hi Docmo, It's always a good thing to learn something new and I have certainly learned from your articles! Thank you for the generous and lovely compliments! Hope your Spring is sunny and bright! :o)

Mohan Kumar from UK on May 03, 2011:

Kathi- your awesomeness grows ( out in a spiral like a Bromeliad - learnt something new there!) Absolutely magnificent pictures that aptly illustrate the wonderful site.

Your hubs are a sight for sore eyes. And a cure for spring fever. voted up!

MarkMAllen15 on May 03, 2011:

Nice Flowers, Brilliant.

Debby Bruck on May 02, 2011:

Hi Kathi ~ This is awesome. i love the way you make these photo hubs! Gorgeous pictures of flowers and butterflies. I especially like the coleus and the butterfly videos. Shall be thinking what to get from the store for the garden because of this hub. Hugs, Debby

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 02, 2011:

Hi Nell, well, I imagine you'll be high off the royal wedding for a while! I'm happy for those two! Sounds like you've had better weather than we have here! Good thing it was nice for the wedding! Thank you for a great compliment, glad you enjoyed it!

Thank you B., I'm sorry to hear you've been under the weather. Hope you feel better soon! Flowers certainly are sexual, sensual and all that, but especially beautiful! Take care!

b. Malin on May 02, 2011:

What a Beautiful, Breathtaking Treat for these Flu-like eyes of mine. I feel better all ready Fossillady and those Butterflies...My Oh My...and that you-tube Video. Flowers are so Sexual...Wow!

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 02, 2011:

Hi Jackie, It's unusual not to see butterflies with the flowers most of the year! I glad you enjoyed them in the photos! Take Care!

Hello Obscure Treasures, I really appreciate you comment! :0)

Obscure_Treasures from USA on May 02, 2011:

Too good!!

Jackie Lynnley from the beautiful south on May 01, 2011:

Gorgeous, flowers and butterflies, I rarely see butterflies anymore and I live where there are flowers most of the year. Great hub!

Nell Rose from Buckinghamshire UK on May 01, 2011:

Hi, this was amazing! not only your wonderful photos and history, but the video's! how on earth does he do that with glass? mindblowing! this was great, I loved reading it and watching it, and in answer to ruby, I was watching the wedding! ha ha but I have dried myself off from running naked in the water!! ha ha I have been to a lovely garden centre today, to look at all the lovely plants and flowers the weather over here has been amazingly hot for about a month now! how lucky is that? mind you, now I have said it, it will probably rain for a month! cheers nell

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on May 01, 2011:

Hi Pras, of course I recognize you and we will continue to be friends! It's always good to see you! :o)

Thank you kindly Fennelseed! I am so glad you liked it and may your month of May be filled with sunny bright days!! :o)

Annie Fenn from Australia on May 01, 2011:

Wow, Fossillady, incredible images, the long wing butterfly is amazing. Such a beautiful, vibrant place, a feast for the eyes. Thank you for sharing and taking us there.

Warm wishes,

Fennelseed

wibowo30 on April 30, 2011:

Hi, Kathi. I want to introduce my new account. If you familiar with prasetio30. That's me. I am the same person. If you don't mind please visit my hub. I hope our friendship never end. Don't worry, my old account still existed. Take care!

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on April 30, 2011:

I'm laughing with you Ruby!!! We need another adventure. Whatever happened to Docmo? He would give us a fun time!lol

Hi Kath, Thank you for stopping by and leaving a nice compliment! Hope you have a beautiful and sunny May!!

Hi Alica, That was my first time visiting the conservatory and now I want to go back when it's warmer and stroll the nature trails! Thanks for a nice compliments!

Hi Kallini, I like your comparison with the process of writing and the Chihuly's glass art! So true! I hope you have a warm and sunny May!

kallini2010 from Toronto, Canada on April 29, 2011:

Wonderful!

I especially enjoyed the clip about glass art. "Collapsability and pushing the limits..." - not knowing what is going to come out of it - I feel the same with writing - if I say the same thing all the time - there is no point in saying it. My writing takes me away from the point I started...

Up & awesome.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on April 29, 2011:

A beautiful and awesome hub! The photos are gorgeous - sharp, colorful and vibrant - a wonderful sight. Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park looks like a great place to visit. Thanks for the videos as well as the lovely photos.

Kathy from California on April 29, 2011:

Wow, these photos are absolutely gorgeous Kathi! The color of the flowers and butterflies is so vibrant! This is a wonderful and informative hub, too bad I live so far away! If ever in MI I will know where to go! Good job!

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on April 29, 2011:

Now you've done it...I can't stop laughing...Woodstock..Wow!! Didn't we have the time of our lives? Seems like yesterday. Nell is probably watching the Royal wedding.

Cheers

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on April 29, 2011:

Hello Augustine, I just may have a few more Spring surprises on the way! Hope your days ahead are sunny and bright!

Ruby, my jewel, His chandeliers are so awesome! I can imagine the price for one! I feel your joy for Spring. I want to run outside and scream and jump in the water naked like hippie girl Nell! tee hee

Hi Mysterious One...so glad you stopped by! Thank you for your good wishes, right back attcha!! :o)

MysteriousOne on April 29, 2011:

Great hub ,Fossillady.....Awesome photography too!The video is well worth the time,too.. Thank you for sharing! Have a great Spring....even though here in Florida,it feels like Summer is here to stay!

Ruby Jean Richert from Southern Illinois on April 29, 2011:

You are able to capture such beauty with your camera..The flowers..The butterflies are amazing, no two alike. I want the chandelier, so beautiful..The blue color is perfect. Thank you Fossi...Spring has sprung and i love it.

Cheers

Augustine A Zavala from Texas on April 29, 2011:

I had been waiting all winter for your springtime pictures. They're all beautiful, but my favorite is the first picture of the small postman butterfly. I love it's black body with red accents. Truly awesome. I'm glad to see you have an online link for buying your pictures. Thank you so much for sharing.

Kathi Mirto (author) from Fennville on April 29, 2011:

Thank you Fay! We're due for a nice sunny Spring day!

Hello Hyphenbird, Thank you for your generous comment! Wow! I hope your day is filled with the joys of Spring

Hello Pras, my sweetheart hub friend! If I could, I would give you a big kiss for all your support! Hugs, Kathi