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Popular children’s books, The Very Hungry Caterpillar and The Grouchy Ladybug, by author Eric Carle, have been brought to life at Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center. Designed by Botanical Center horticulturist, Angie Buchanan, the summer gardens include a 16-foot caterpillar and larger-than-life ladybugs that greet you as you walk into the tropical Dome. Visitors will also learn about the benefits of insects as they walk through the Dome. The Botanical Center will host an event, Buggy About Plants, on Saturday, June 6, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Have fun while learning about honeybees from the USDA and butterflies from Des Moines’ Butterfly Lady, Kathy Ziemer. Enjoy hands-on activity by holding live insects from the Blank Park Zoo. Visitors can also help with the annual ladybug release in the Dome. Enjoy the creativity of AJ’s Copper Garden sculptures, including giant copper bugs and butterflies placed throughout the Botanical Center and inside the Dome. Throughout 2010, visitors to the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center will be welcomed with a new horticultural and educational experience as the gardens transform throughout the year, all inspired by popular children’s stories, including Dr. Seuss, Charlie Brown and Eric Carle books. “Story Time in the Gardens” includes seven plant bed changes in the Dome – many bringing the stories alive with life-size props – educational activities, theme-related gift shop items, Riverwalk Café menu choices and special events, all inspired by children’s books. The theme continues into the Show House, with four unique, seasonal designs, and outside to the Herb Garden which is open May through September. Please visit the Des Moines Botanical & Environmental Center throughout the year to see each new garden.

Ride a motorcycle or just like to check them out? Head to the East Village at East Locust and East 5th for East Village Bike Night. Cycles will line the streets and there will be live entertainment and food vendors from 7 to 11PM. There's no charge to attend.