Mary, was just implying it would be highly unlikely that they were N. milberti because of the numbers. FWIW, typically in most national parks and reserves the rangers each have one of two fields they specialize in and have formal training in, and just general knowledge of the rest. Nothing at all against these rangers, but that's the way it is and even more so now that funding has been cut back so far to the parks. Add that even the parks entomologist may specialize in other bugs and not our lepidopteran friends. So they may not pass along detailed information about leps to the other rangers there. I have been issued Class A permits in national parks because I noticed something either very rare or unusual while visiting or driving through them, and sought out the resident entomologist to see if they were aware, and to point them to the exact location if not. I usually was given a permit so I could take the field with the entomologist. One time while traveling to the Beartooth Plateau for the summer to do more research for my book, I saw such an instance happening in Grand Teton NP, and soon found out that the resident entomologist was away on leave (vacation). The parks superintendent not only gave me a permit to collect a few for their synoptic collection, but since it was so scarce on most of the more unusual species found there he also asked me to collect them as well for their collection. I limited collecting to three pairs of each species, two for the park and one for my SC (legal to have because I also have the permits they were collected under). When the entomologist returned, she contacted me and wanted me to come up and stay the entire following season to do all the parks lepidopteran species with her. Heck of an opportunity, but we already had a schedule for that year and I just didnÂt have time to do it (I wasnÂt too keen on spending the entire summer away with a young lady the ex had never met either  although I know she would have accepted me going with a smile if I had chosen to). Anyway, if you ever passed through GTNP and had the opportunity to see their synoptic collection, the ones I collected for the park that year will be there.

Howdy - once again: New Discoveries of Interest Although this is an old posting, I thought that I would provide some updated information with regard to some interesting nurseries; small garden places; and one unique Mom & Pop operation, which might be of interest to those visiting this post. 1. Waterscapes One of the more interesting places that Sue and I have found - last summer - is Waterscapes, which is located south and a litte west of Traverse City. In addition to a wide array of water landscaping supplies, designs, materials, fishes & plants, this company offers 13 pond garden areas on display and has a number of "light nights" offered during the early summer to early fall season. Even if you do not have plans or a budget for the creation of either a pond or a fountain display, this is a most interesting place to visit - even for a Sunday drive. On our first visit - with a friend - I discovered a most interesting contraption - a specially designed copper revolving sprinkler system that was very unique. I am not so certain about its watering efficiency, but I was most intrigue with it. Unfortunately, we arrived a wee bit late in the season as they had a small number of these devices for sale - $35.00 - but since the last one was being used to water a portion of their lawn, the wife didn't want to part with it. Needless to say, Sue and I did purchase a floating/standing solar powered battery operated "Globe" that slowly changed colors. At night, the thing looks like a "alien landing light" - so dubbed by Sue. So far, we haven't had any alien space ships land in our back yard. Perhaps, I am in need of another one. At any rate, here's the link to their web site. Scroll down to get their phone number, give them a call, and find out when their next "night light" open house occurs and put yourself on their mailing list. Waterscapes Unlimited 2. Jennifer Smeltzer's Rural Garden Center The next place on the list is Jennifer Smeltzer's small rural garden center - located on Route 22 - just south of Acardia, Michigan. It is a truly a beginning Mom and Pop operation, but Jennifer has a wealth of knowledge that she will enjoy sharing with you in addition to her selection of unusual or unique plant offerings. If she doesn't have want you wish to add to your garden, she'll be most happy to obtain it for you. Since I can't remember the name of her garden shop, I'll give you her phone number, which, of course, is also located in the phone book for the Manistee area. Jennifer Smeltzer - (231) 889-5998. 3. Greystone Gardens The next place on the list is Greystone Gardens, which is located about 15 miles north of Frankfort, Michigan about 1.5 miles to the east of Route 22. Sue and I found it through the efforts of one of her friends at work who had been out for a "Sunday Drive" one weekend. Since Sue and I were already headed up to Jennifer's place and thence to Crystal Gardens a few miles north of Frankfort, Michigan, we decided to go the "extra mile" to see what this small operation had to offer. We were both astonish and pleased with the range of selections and the prices they were asking for their plants in good sized pots. We purchased a number of annuals and a few weeks went back for more - another one of our purpose filled "Sunday Drives". 4. The Iris Farm The same friend who informed us of the Greystone Gardens spot noted above also discovered the Iris Farm, which is located about 6 miles west of Traverse City, MI on Route 72. Since we were on one of our purpose filled "Sunday Drives" Sue and I ended up visiting this lovely place; sat down in a large shed; looked through the selection of photographs of Iris's, and placed an order for a fall pick up. The Iris's were just peaking and there were cars everywhere and people picking out their Iris selection for a fall planting. Of course, an equal number of these folks were also taking cuttings of the flowers coming into or in bloom, which this farm also sells during the blooming season. Prices for Iris roots were very reasonable and it was nice to see them in bloom as well. Although this unique operation does not have a web site, - I couldn't find one in a quick search on Google, I have provided a link below and a photograph of what this place looks like when in bloom. The Iris Farm - Map and Information 5. Cedar Hedge Gardens During the course of one of our discussions - I was looking for a particular Hosta, Jennifer Smeltzer informed me that she knew of a woman who ran a small Hosta nursery near Interlochen, Michigan. So again - on one of our journeys, Sue and I finally found the place - a unique home operation. Sorry, but I've forgotten the name of the woman who owns this home grown nursery, but I will tell you Hosta lover's that this place is a must visit - if only to enjoy the quiet shade garden areas graced by statuary and chimes that she has created. Although she is generally open during the gardening season, I would recommend that you give her a jingle before traveling to experience her unique and wonderful shade garden and/or make your selection of her extensive array of Hostas. Again, here is the link providing information and a general map - ask for directions. Cedar Hedge Gardens 6. Sweet Meadow Farm Garden Nursery While I was talking with the owner of the Cedar Hedge Gardens, she informed me that there was another, unique Garden center located not too far away. Although we ventured towards this place late on a Saturday afternoon, we were disappointed to find out that it was closed. So we now have a good excuse to embark on another one of our purpose filled "Sunday Drives", but this time we'll travel a bit early on a Saturday. Here's the link to this place, which I am told is also very unique, as they specialize in unique Perennials, Shrubs, Annuals, and Garden Art. Sorry, I don't have a link for you, but here's there phone number Sweet Meadow Farm Garden Nursery - Phone (231) 642-6416 Well, I do hope that this additional information is of interest to those reading this far down in this lengthy posting. ;>) 7. Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Of course, I must end this additional information with a "plug" for recently discovering the above mentioned plant. I've added two of these lovelies to our garden and am happy to say that both of these real "Michigan natives" - (they were discovered in a nursery in Zeeland, MI) are doing very well. Here's a link to some information and a few photos of this beautiful gem. And below that link is a photograph that literally inspired me to add a few to our growing shade garden. Brunnera macrophylla 'Jack Frost' Hope this additional information is of interest to those reading this far down. ;>) Be well and may your gardening experiences be joyous. Bill

Mike, Sebright Gardens with their incredible Hosta house and stunning displays gardens is right next door to Mid America Irises. Both are 15 minutes away from Schriener's. And in the same neighborhood is Adelman's Peony Gardens. I managed to tour all of them in one long day last year and it was the best day of the year!! *grin* Here is a link to Mid America Garden Irises which has a map showing the route from Schriener's: http://www.mid-americagarden.com/visiting_the_garden.aspx and here's another page with ideas for you. Have a great trip! Here is a link that might be useful: List of gardens to see

I wouldn't call this list a top ten by any means. I have been to Chanticleer, Filoli, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden on the list. The first two are definitely must-see gardens. A true botanical garden is focused on botany which means it is educational but not necessarily beautiful. Botanical gardens are interesting to visit and often have beautiful sections but I don't usually find them beautiful overall. A beautiful garden is usually the result of passion and knowledge, horticultural skill and artistic gifts. Organizations or committees don't usually produce beautiful gardens--I'm being very opinionated here, I admit. Almost always, a single creative force creates a beautiful garden--one person, whether they have help or not, sometimes an owner with a designer and/or a head gardener. But a beautiful garden can be tiny and tended by one person. The glory of the art of gardening is that it is open to anyone with the love of it. I made a top-ten list once, from seeing hundreds of gardens in the US and Europe. Then I tossed it. Too many worthy candidates.