DISCOVER A WHOLE NEW WORLD ON THE EAST LAWN Fortopia

SUMMERTIME BRINGS MEMORIES of digging in the dirt, climbing trees, and exploring new parts of your own backyard. This summer, Fortopia (May 25-September 4, 2023) returns to Powell Gardens with new forts. Rediscover the magic of pretend play, fort building, and outdoor discovery with your family. Members are invited to a member-only preview night on May 24 (5-8 p.m.) and the public is welcome to enjoy the exhibition during business hours starting

May 25 through September 4, 2023. This playful exhibition taps into childhood wonder and the power of imagination. Forts are all designed by the community. “This year, the forts selected embody playfulness,” said Cody Jolliff, Manager, Public Programs. “Each designer considered the natural landscape, and the many ways children would approach their fort. Each structure invites visitors to engage and play in their own way. I’m looking forward to seeing our community embrace this exhibition as their own.”

Each fort design was selected via a request for proposal process. A jury comprised of architects, educators, horticulturists, and fabricators reviewed the proposals and selected the forts. Look for returning 2022 forts that were selected as fan favorites!

To learn more about designers, their fort inspiration, and the environmental resources utilized to build this year’s forts, visit powellgardens.org/fortopia.

Black Swallowtails measure 2.75-3.9 inches wide. Find caterpillars (green with black stripes and yellow spotting) on host plants parsley, fennel, rue, and dill. Female black swallowtails have bluer hind wings then their male counterparts.

Visit Powell Gardens to see native butterflies in their natural habitat! Visit during Festival of Butterflies (July 20-August 6, 2023), Powell Gardens’ summer festival, to learn more about these amazing creatures. For more information, visit powellgardens.org/butterfly.