The beautiful sunshine and soaring temperatures of midsummer have arrived and the butterflies have followed. The garden is in full flower and an excellent diversity of species may be seen on sunny days.

A Tawny Emperor – a first for the garden – was photographed last week. Other spectacular species, including Milbert’s Tortoiseshell, are present for the patient visitor.

The photo contest continues through August. Unique photo experiences abound in the height of summer so be sure to seize the opportunity.

We have a free summer education series set to begin August 7 and run until September 11.  Come visit each Saturday morning as local experts teach about wildlife in the garden. A schedule is posted below.

Congratulations to all entrants!  Your photos were of a very high standard and selecting just one winner in each category proved to be exceptionally difficult. 

There were no pretty butterflies or colourful flowers, but with fewer subjects to choose from in the winter, it forced a great deal of creativity and you took many stunning photos.

Because the choices were so difficult, we decided to have ‘runners up’, which appear in alphabetical order under the category.

The four First Prize winners will receive an envelope in the mail in approximately one week.

Once again, congratulations to all!

Below are all the entries for the winter photo contest. With hundreds of beautiful entries, it was a difficult decision for the judge. Thanks to all for participating and sharing your unique experiences in the Garden. Click any photo to enter a slideshow and see photographer and species details.