Its most recognizable image is probably the Climatron, built in 1960 to incorporate principles developed by R. Buckminster Fuller. The dome is 70 feet high and 175 feet in diameter. Temperatures inside range from 64 to 74 degrees, and average humidity is 85 percent — a perfect environment for the 1,200 different species of tropical plants growing there. In 1976, the dome was named one of the 100 most significant architectural achievements in the United States.

The botanical garden also includes the largest Japanese Garden in North America, a 14-acre spread called Seiwa-en; a children's garden featuring a pioneer village; a formal English garden; a Chinese garden; the Flower Trial Garden; and Shaw's original 1850 estate home.

In the Gladney Rose Garden, you can also currently find a bed of Chihuly Roses, a floribunda rose that was hybridized and named in honor of Chihuly in 2004.

Currently in the Glass in the Garden shop in the Brookings Center, visitors can also watch a video explaining Chihuly's work and the process of glass-blowing and see examples of other series of his work.

The exhibit has been very popular since it opened on April 30. "We've discovered there are Chihuly groupies that travel everywhere to see his shows," says Kerkemeyer. "But the appeal is very broad. Senior citizens, children, everyone falls in love with it. It cuts across all boundaries. It's so unexpected. And you will not see it again just like this."

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