Butterfly, topiary shows featured this summer at South Coast Botanic Garden
by Garth Meyer
The South Coast Botanic Garden begins its 63rd summer season with a pair of shows running through July 31.
“SOAR –Tropical Butterflies” features hundreds of butterflies in the Garden’s pavilion. The attraction is in its second year — it opened April 1 for 2022, with species that include glasswing, birdwing and rice paper.
“There’s a strong emphasis on educating our guests about these beautiful creatures in a very personal way which really enhances the experience,” said Adrienne Nakashima, South Coast Botanic Garden CEO. “Plus, the species we have are on another level.”
Also open in the park this summer is “Flamboyance — A Topiary Menagerie.” Debuting May 1, the topiary exhibit features more than 100 plants manicured and constructed to look like birds and animals.
Arranged in six groups, the display takes over the front half of the garden, culminating in 70 life-sized flamingos — made of begonias — on the amphitheater lawn.
Also featured are topiary rabbits, monkeys and dolphins.
“Flamboyance” is included with regular park admission. “SOAR” requires a separate ticket.
In addition this summer, dog-walking is allowed throughout most of the Botanic Garden on the last Sunday of each month, from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ER