While thousands of people flock to the San Diego Zoo each year to see rare, endangered animals, they might not be aware that Balboa Park’s Botanical Building also houses rare, extinct-in-the-wild specimens, such as this amazing Deppea Splendens, which produces these spectacular blooms this time of year only. No photograph can do it justice.

Some things are just too beautiful for me to chase, including this little critter I encountered the other day while cruising Zoro Garden. This garden, located next to the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, was specifically designed as a sanctuary for butterflies, so even humans are cautioned against chasing them.

One of my favorite sections of the Botanical Building is the Carnivorous Plant Bog, which features several exotic species of insect munchers like this Pitcher Plant. For me personally, it’s all about the thrill of the chase.

Ahhh, so many trees, so little time. Fortunately in late spring, many are still in bloom like this spectacular coral tree on the west side of the Park near the lawn bowling area. The gardeners here do such an awesome job!