Carnivorous plants exhibit opens May 23 at N.C. Arboretum

From the North Carolina Arboretum

Event announcement

This summer, visitors of The North Carolina Arboretum will have the opportunity to explore the fascinating and complex world of carnivorous plants at the Arboretum’s newest exhibit, Savage Gardens, opening Memorial Day weekend. Beginning May 23 through September 7, 2015, the Savage Gardens exhibit will offer both real and interpretive examples of carnivorous plants, including the infamous Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula) and the American Pitcher Plant (Sarracenia). The nationally-known traveling exhibit was developed and created by Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens and Tork, Inc.

Combining science, botany and hands-on activity, Savage Gardens demonstrates the many wonders of carnivorous plants and how they lure, catch, kill and digest insects as part of their feeding process. The American Pitcher Plant, for example, offers a narcotic nectar causing intoxicated patrons to take a clumsy tumble into a pool of digestive enzymes. The similar approach of some larger varieties of the Tropical Pitcher Plant (Nepenthes) has been known to even capture small mammals.

Carnivorous plants may seem exotic, but many of them, such as the Venus flytrap, are native to North America. Unfortunately, more than 95 percent of the original carnivorous plant habitats along the coastal plain have been destroyed. Savage Gardens provides an opportunity to educate visitors about these unique plants and ways to contribute to their conservation.

The Savage Gardens exhibit will offer a variety of interpretations, demonstrations and programs – both indoors and outdoors. Anchoring the exhibit are four giant sculptures that render larger-than-life perspectives to these beautiful but deadly species. The exhibit will also host six interactive stations to help encourage creative play and hands-on learning for children.

As an addition to the traveling exhibit, the Arboretum will have live carnivorous plants on-site in its Baker Exhibit Center Greenhouse. Venus flytrap plants will also be available for purchase at the Arboretum’s Connections Gallery gift shop. The indoor exhibit will be open daily from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. inside the Arboretum’s Baker Exhibit Center and its outdoor components will be located on the upper-level grounds outside of the Exhibit Center during regular visiting hours. For more information, visit www.ncarboretum.org.

Exhibit support provided in part by The North Carolina Arboretum’s Community Partners: B.B. Barns Garden, Gift & Landscape Company; Smoky Mountain Living Magazine; iHeartMedia Asheville; Hilton Asheville Biltmore Park; MOSAIC Community Lifestyle Realty; and PSNC Energy.

About The North Carolina Arboretum
Each year more than 500,000 visitors experience the Arboretum’s gardens, trails, exhibits, shows and expos, educational programs, demonstrations and lectures. The Arboretum’s ability to meet its mission and enrich the visitor experience is made possible by a community of supporters—from members, volunteers and staff to state and local funds, tribute gifts, grants, and community partners. Shows and events are free for Arboretum Society members or with the standard parking fee ($12 per personal motor vehicle). For more information, please call (828) 665-2492 or visit www.ncarboretum.org. The central mission of The North Carolina Arboretum, an affiliate institution of the 17-campus University of North Carolina system, is to cultivate connections between people and plants.