Big Bugs Will Cover Huntsville Botanical Garden

HUNTSVILLE--The Huntsville Botanical Garden announces the blockbuster exhibit – David Rogers’ Big Bugs, presented by Redstone Federal Credit Union, in the Garden from March 13th through July 13th 2009. This unique exhibit will feature 10 gigantic bug sculptures on display throughout the Garden.

The exhibit includes three 25 foot long gigantic ants crawling through the special events meadow; a 1200 pound, 18 foot tall praying mantis lurking near the Aquatic Garden; a 17 foot long red cedar dragon fly; a 7 foot long assassin bug and many other gargantuan insects. Special planting vignettes will surround the giant creatures, making them look right at home in North Alabama. The sculptures are created from all natural materials – whole trees, cut green saplings, dry branches and other native forest materials.

Children’s activities, adult and children’s education programs, guided tours, and various social events will all be part of the Big Bugs exhibition. There will be no additional charge to attend the Exhibit at the Garden. Regular garden admission will apply – members and children under 3 are free, adults - $10, military and seniors (55+) - $8 and children ages 3 to 18 - $5.

David Rogers, of Glenwood Landing, NY began sculpting at age 13. Initially welding abstract sculptures from discarded scrap metal, he turned his attention in the mid 70’s to creating common insects from natural forest materials. In 1990, David began creating giant dinosaurs out of saplings, branches and vines and finally turned to making giant-sized insects for outdoor displays. The complete Big Bugs exhibit first debuted at the Dallas Arboretum in 1994 and has been displayed at The Morton Arboretum, in Lisle, IL, the Denver Botanic Garden, the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden and many other locations throughout North America and Europe.