June 30, 2011

Ladybug beetle

Slug bug

The Reiman Gardens conservatory display was changed out earlier this month, switching to a "Ladybug Breakfast" theme that highlights organic insect control with an unusual bug centerpiece. The gardens' horticulture staff found the discarded shell of a Volkswagon Beetle half-buried behind the Jerry Carney and Sons auto shop in Ames. The shop donated it for the project, and it was cleaned up and sent to Sign Pro in Ames for the vehicle wrap and custom Cyclone vanity plate, "L8D BUG." The display runs through November. The conservatory is open daily during the gardens' extended summer hours (9 a.m.-6 p.m.); admission is free for members and ISU students, $8 for the public ($7 seniors, $4 youth). Photo by Bob Elbert.