A new exhibit has arrived at Shangri La Botanical Gardens called “Big Bugs,” which has been said to consistently bring in swarms of audiences from the area.
The exhibit includes various little creatures including ants, a praying mantis, a Damsel fly, a Dragon fly, a spider on a web, a grasshopper, and an Assassin bug. The bugs were recreated on a gargantuan scale and made by Sculptor David Rogers.
“Setting up for the big bugs has been very exciting,” Landscape Gardener Leslie Pierce said. “I can’t wait to see the visitor’s reactions when they see them for the first time.”
I can’t wait to see the visitors’ reactions.
— Leslie Pierce
The sculptures were created using a variety of combinations of whole trees, cut green saplings that were selectively harvested from the Willow family, dry branches, and other natural materials. The Big Bugs have traveled all across the United States of America ever since it’s debut in 1994 at the Dallas Arboretum.
“We’ve been getting ready for the Big Bugs for quite a while now,” Pierce said. “It has definitely required preparation but it is going to be great and well worth it.”
One of the main goals of the Big Bugs exhibit is to provide a visually amazing platform for educational programs and interaction between the guests. Not only can the Big Bugs create a boost in attendance in addition to interaction, but also can help create a greater public awareness of the fun, interesting, and altogether compelling institution that is the Shangri La Botanical Gardens.
“I had the privilege of going to Shangri La and it was a great experience to see all the great things they have there,” junior Valen Elliott said.
This limited time addition to Shangri La has helped create a healthy, learning environment for families all around the community. It has brought in more of the resources needed for the institution to grow and expand. The hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday from 12 p.m. until 5 p.m.