Imaginary Worlds Come to Life

Orangutans, several species of exotic frogs, and a pink unicorn are among the stars this summer at the Atlanta Botanical Garden's new "Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants" exhibition. Now through October 31, Garden visitors will enjoy nine new characters for a total of 28 larger-than-life living sculptures.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

“This exhibition will be the largest ever presented in the U.S. and promises to be another ‘wildly’ successful one,” says Mary Pat Matheson, the Garden’s president and CEO.

For one more summer, International Mosaiculture of Montreal brings to Atlanta a truly unique garden experience. The 28 living sculptures, most comprised of thousands of individual plants, bring to life many animals, real and imaginary, as well as Earth Goddess, who is a permanent feature.

I've long been wonderfully entertained by orangutans, so when I learned that they would be featured in Imaginary Worlds, I was totally excited. And the pair look fantastic! 

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

Many visitors don't realize until they visit the Atlanta Botanical Garden for the first time that the Garden is engaged in amphibian research and conservation, which is quite a significant program. And at any given time, there are hundreds of frogs in the Garden.

Guests get to see some of the endangered species in the Fuqua Conservatory, and there are even more rare species on the Garden complex, but off public view. And of course there are the hundreds of bullfrogs that visitors see in the various water features.

These conservation efforts are quite serious...they're addressing the extinction of dozens of species of frogs in Latin America--it's rather cool that Atlanta is involved in this effort, and perhaps critical to human survival in the long run.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

For an even more unique experience, catch the Imaginary Worlds sculptures during the evening hours at Cocktails in the Garden. Each month has a different theme and specialty cocktail, this month's being "Earth Goddess: I'll Have What She's Having."

Cocktails in the Garden is Thursdays 6:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m...a great 'date night' option. It's included in admission, but cocktails are separate, but are reasonable. Lethal Rhythms will be DJing, there will be chef demos in the Outdoor Kitchen, and be sure to check out Science Cafe every third Thursday of the month.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

The unicorn in last year's Imaginary World's exhibition suffered at the excessive rain Atlanta experienced. So, this year they're using different plants and she's in a new location. I think the kids are going to love the pink unicorn!

Speaking of the kiddies, there's a ton of programming specifically designed to teach kids about gardens, science, and animals. And in the Children's Garden there's a well-attended Wednesday mornings story-time reading.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I'm an animal lover, but not so much a pet person...could you imagine how neglected 'my' pet(s) would be as much as I'm out wanderlusting? I think it's responsible of me to not have a pet, as much fun as having one would be. 

With that said, I've heard time and again from visitors that one of their favorite sculptures is the Shaggy Dog. And I've heard many say that he's made from pine needles, while in fact he's in fact made of living plants, that just happen to look like pine needles. He's adorable either way.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I don't know if it's just because the Imaginary World's plants are new and fresh, or because of the new patterns, but they're incredibly vibrant! I hope we don't have as much rain as we did last year...if not, we're in for a full summer of spectacular giant living sculptures!

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I love hearing the fascination of visitors who comment on the "dancing" fish. In fact, they spin to ensure that all sides receive ample sunshine. What a wonderfully brilliant solution, right?

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

With the increase of nine sculptures this year, they're spread further throughout the Garden...a wonderful solution to getting visitors to explore parts of the Garden that many visitors might not see during a typical visit.

Some of the sculptures are in and near the Aquatic Plant Pond and near the desert plants garden on the opposite side of the Conservatory from the Edible Garden, which I think is brilliant...there are some beautiful plantings on that side of the Garden!

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

With 28 living sculptures there are ample photo-ops, particularly the Ogre and the two Cobras, the Cobras being one of the most popular photo-ops, and for good reason...they're spectacular! Just be sure to check out the back of their hoods, meaning you'll need to exit the main path to see the incredible and brilliant patterns on the cobras' backs.

Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants

I'm loving this particular frog in the fountain in front of the Fuqua Conservatory ... seriously, look at him! How can you not smile looking at those fantastic eyes?!

Visitors are invited to view a public frog feeding every Saturday morning at 11:00 a.m. The amphibian specialists conducting the feeding love answering questions about the frogs and the Garden's conservation efforts, so ask away!

Make plans now to see the new "Imaginary Worlds: A New Kingdom of Plant Giants" at the Atlanta Botanical Garden, and I recommend seeing it soon, because I'm certain you'll want to see it more than once. And check out the extensive programming at the Garden...there's a LOT going on there!

Not Quite Imaginary Frogs

A couple of days ago I blogged about "Imaginary Worlds" at the Atlanta Botanical Garden. If you've not yet been to see the exhibition, be sure to pop into the Orchid Center lobby to see the plant sculpture frogs! No, they're not part of Imaginary Worlds...they're much more!

Frog Sculptures, Atlanta Botanical Garden

The frog sculptures in the Orchid Center lobby are not part of the Imaginary Worlds exhibition, but they're just as brilliant in their own right. They are the re-imagined "Frelves" (frog elves) from the "Garden Lights, Holiday Nights" exhibition, displayed within a re-purposed Orchid Daze exhibition!

Frog Sculptures, Atlanta Botanical Garden

I can't tell you how happy it makes me to see the Garden re-use material from previous exhibitions...but more so to see it re-used so brilliantly! And it's great to see frogs represented, given the Garden's amphibian research and conservation efforts.

Frog Sculptures, Atlanta Botanical Garden

So, yes...the frog sculptures in the Orchid Center lobby are "larger than life", they're just not part of the Imaginary Worlds exhibition, but I do think they're a brilliant accompaniment to the exhibition, as I'm sure you will.

Atlanta Botanical Garden: 500 Frogs from 50 Species

Blue Frog of Suriname

The Atlanta Botanical Garden serves as home for more than just thousands of species of plants, trees, and flowers…a whole ark of animals call it home, too. 

Among the non-plant residents are a number of frogs, many from South and Central America, including: Panama, Colombia, and Suriname, to name just a few.

On this particular visit, I joined 22 other visitors for a viewing of the daily frog feeding. The group's members came from near and far and were of all ages, each eager to see the consistent crowd favorite…the bright yellow and vivid blue poison dart frogs.

They were there to see the other species, too, as well as to learn about the Garden’s amphibian research and conservation programs.

Robert with Garden guests

Robert was the amphibian specialist conducting the feeding and the discussion (as he was when I’ve previously attended a frog feeding). Robert is younger than you might imagine for a person who knows as much as he does about amphibians, but he delivers a strong confidence and a passion for his particular discipline. And he has a subtle, dry sense of humor that I and other visitors admired and enjoyed.

Splendid Leaf Frog

He emerged from behind a door marked “staff only” with a canister reminiscent of something that an exterminator would carry, with the tell-tale stick nozzle for spraying. Robert assured us that the contents were not harmful to the frogs, that it was actually only distilled water.

Spraying the Habitat

The water spray seemingly acted as a dinner bell. As soon as Robert started spraying the interior walls of the habitat, every single frog emerged…surely with the full knowledge that lunch was about to be served.

Of course we were curious what the Garden feeds their frogs. After spraying, Robert returned to the back and returned with two plastic containers of…fruit flies—the frogs’ lunch.

Poison Dart Frogs

The different species have different diets. In addition to fruit flies, their daily food offerings include crickets, bean beetles, and cockroaches (yuck!), as well as a few other totally gross items.

When the little guys started eating their flies, I had a flashback to “Toad” from the movie “X-Men.” As little as these frogs are, their tongues are relatively long…and they were hungry! Zap here, zap there…full scale dining had ensued.

The frogs are fed daily, usually around 11:00 a.m. during the week and assuredly at 11:00 a.m. on Saturdays—the advertised frog feeding time. The feeding takes place just inside the Fuqua Conservatory on the right at the Amphibian Display.

There are four distinct frog habitat displays, which house dozens of the Gardens' approximately 400-500 frogs. They are:

• Colombia’s Terrible Trio
• The Blue Frog of Suriname
• Splendid Leaf Frog
• Frogs of Panama

Each species is unique and has very interesting stories behind them. Be sure to ask Robert, “Which frog is the most toxic land vertebrate?” and “Why is the tiny Rocket Frog so loud?”

Garden Visitors

Also near the Conservatory lobby, also to the right near the restrooms, is a display of Georgia salamanders. Of the four species, one is found only on Pigeon Mountain located in the northwestern part of Georgia.

While you’re at the Garden, look for the Giant Frogs (made of copper, I believe). They’re great to make photos with and they’re located throughout the Garden, but can usually be found just outside the Hardin Visitor Center, at the north end of the Great Lawn, and in the Children’s Garden.

Part of the Garden’s frog conservation initiatives includes the frodPOD, a state-of-the-art research facility located on the Garden grounds near the Fuqua Conservatory. Unfortunately for us (but good for the 13 species of frogs living there), the frogPOD is not open to the public.

A few of the resident frogPOD frogs include:

• Horned Marsupial Frog
• Amazonian Leaf Frog
• Darwin’s Frog
• Lemur Leaf Frog
• Carolina Gopher Frog

Darwin’s Frog is my favorite...it reminds me of Gonzo from The Muppets, but maybe a little more evolved. I hope to actually see one in the future...a Darwin's Frog that is. I can see Gonzo anytime I want at the Center for Puppetry Arts.

Spiny Toad

If you do not live in the Atlanta area and you’re interested in the Atlanta Botanical Garden’s amphibian research and conservation efforts, follow their frogPOD Blog. There’s lots of interesting content there about what’s happening at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and around the (frog) world.

The Return

Am I hungry for more frog feedings? I’ve been twice and both times it was educational as well as entertaining…I’ll definitely go again. It’s the one time of day that you get to see (almost) all of the frogs in the habitat!

If you go to the Garden during the month of August (2011) between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., admission is only $10 if you bring a printed “Beat the Heat” coupon (or display it on your mobile device). The frog feeding viewing is included with admission.

Visiting the Atlanta Botanical Garden

Date toured: Wednesday, July 06, 2011
Location: 1345 Piedmont Avenue, NE (directions and map)
Parking: Onsite, price depends on length of stay; limited street parking nearby
Cost: Adults $18.95; Children (3-12) $12.95; Children under 3 admitted free
Hours: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. April-October (until 10 p.m. on Thursdays); Closed Mondays
Website: http://www.atlantabotanicalgarden.org

Poison Dart Frog

ATLANTApix: Photo with a Frog?

Frog at the Atlanta Botanical Garden

The Atlanta Botanical Garden takes its frogs very seriously ... while at the same time having leaping loads of fun!

There are several human-size frogs throughout the Garden anxiously waiting to make photos with visitors ... they're such hams for the camera!

There's one near the Hardin Visitor Center (photo), one next to the fountain at the entrance to the Great Lawn, and quite a few in the Children's Garden. And I've seen visitors of all ages, myself included, enjoying posing with one of the Garden's giant frogs.

Also fun, there's a daily frog feeding (really!) in front of the Fuqua Conservatory, their most active time of the day. If you miss feeding time, you can always visit some of the resident frogs just inside the Conservatory doors to the right or left.

On a more serious note (and rather impressive if you ask me), the Atlanta Botanical Garden conducts amphibian research (lots of frogs!). The Garden is involved in an effort to preserve critically endangered frogs by housing them in breeding colonies ... these frog species in the wild are in danger of soon becoming extinct.

What will never go extinct is the Atlanta Botanical Garden's sincere involvement in serious research, preservation, and conservation and their abundant sense of great fun ... all of which visitors to Atlanta can enjoy!

ATLANTApix of the tourATLANTA blog features a "photo-of-the-day" of Atlanta. Come back tomorrow for a new one!