tilt shift photography of butterflies

Bruno Butterfly Dome

Love is like a butterfly:
It goes where it pleases, and
it pleases wherever it goes
- Unknown

Why a Butterfly Dome?

"The first year in our new house and garden we were deciding on the design when a chance encounter with a gorgeous unidentified caterpillar happened. The distraction gave us the inspiration we were looking for and from that came a Pollinator Garden, and why not a butterfly dome to go with it!
We're avid gardeners and passionate about organic gardening. We both grew up with our feet in the dirt and a love for nature.
We built our first dome that day with what we had on hand, retrofitting what was supposed to be an arbor with a canopy for a dining tent. We're rebuilding this year with a bigger vision.
I had been in a very large Butterfly dome in Costa Rica so I had some ideas on how it could work. what we didn't expect was how many two legged visitors wanted to see what it was all about.

After a lot of research and locating a supplier we hosted Painted Lady Butterflies.
Painted Lady Butterflies only have a 3% success rate of eggs hatching in the wild. Females can lay up to 500 eggs. The possibility of so many butterflies was super exciting. We're not sure as to what percentage actually hatched as it was impossible to keep track of all the caterpillars.We were were having such an awesome experience that we wanted to share it and made the decision to open our garden to the public.
My original thoughts for the butterfly dome were to give them a safe place to lay their eggs and hopefully increase their numbers. There were so many learnings that came with them. I no longer look at caterpillars the same way.
If you've never had a butterfly light down on your hand, it's an opportunity to connect with nature on a whole new level.

  • they breathe through their abdomen and taste through the ends of their legs

  • butterflies are near sighted and can see 10-12 ft

  • they can see a range of ultraviolet colors that are invisible to the human eye

  • they have ultraviolet markings to identify each other and possible mates

  • they survive on drinking liquids

  • can't fly when they're cold or if they get wet

  • most butterflies live 2-4 weeks except for Monarchs who can live up to 9 months

  • Painted Lady Butterflies have the markings of a monarch on their wings to deter predators.

  • Monarch Butterflies lay their eggs only on Milkweed which when eaten by animals will make them feel sick (Milkweed is only toxic if consumed in large amounts there is no evidence of anyone ever dying from it) So plant milkweed

  • Monarch butterflies were placed on the Endangered Species List in 2023

  • Females are generally larger than males that's one way to tell them apart

Facts about Butterflies

My first Painted Lady emerges from her chrysalis

Bruno Butterfly Dome Open June 2024

Open date determined by the weather
It's looking good for mid July

Butterly Dome and garden open throughout summer 10am till sunset weather permitting unless otherwise posted
If you're traveling to visit us message ahead to confirm we're here
There is no entrance fee

We love to host Groups

Reach out through email or FB Messenger to book ahead

We have pollinator plants for sale
and our own line of
Non GMO Organic Heirloom Seeds
and newly created
"Tick me Off"
pollinator and people friendly Tick & Mosquito Repellent

Wheelchair accessible

Get the Facts

Monarch Butterflies are on the endangered species list for many reasons that are preventable and you could help!

I created this special report about milkweed to clear up some of the myths.

Monarch Butterflies are one of many pollinators that without them, we to won't survive. It's serious yet not talked about enough.

What happens to the Monarch butterflies effects all pollinators like bees and hummingbirds.

Download your Free Report
Discover how you can be part of the solution for pollinators.

Seasonal opening date TBA

We're officially BeeKeepers

We are thrilled to announce the arrival of our first honey bees!

This is a really special time for us as we have been dedicated to researching and understanding regenerative practices that prioritize the well-being of these precious creatures.
We're committed to doing our part to by actively contributing to the preservation of the environment,using sustainable practices and cultivation of organic food .
The delivery of our honey bees marks the beginning of our journey towards regenerative beekeeping.
We're excited to witness the positive impact they will have on our ecosystem and are committed to providing them with the utmost care and support.

About us

We love digging in the dirt.

Lorrel & Larry Elian live in Bruno Sk, Canada
They're passionate stewards of their land, dedicated to preserving it's natural beauty and ensuring a sustainable future for the wildlife that live and visit there. Their love for nature and commitment to conservation will safeguard their land for future generations inspiring the environmental responsibility that is upon each of us.

We started our married life on the family farm years ago. Our lifestyle these days reflects the blend of who we are and our love for growing our own food while giving back to the land. We're both interested in art and nature and we both like to build and create. We love combining these passions and sharing them.
We feel it's important to do what we can for the pollinators by planting for them and keeping our environment clean.
We're happiest when we're digging in the dirt.

Our Location

Address

639 Main Str

Entrance north facing gate
Signs will guide you
Bruno, Sk,Canada