The Mary Livingston Ripley Garden is on the on the eastern border of the Smithsonian Arts and Industries Building just a few steps from the National Mall in Washington, DC.

A Monarch Butterfly had plenty of choices even in October. He was carefully working this orange pom-pom plant (not its real name, unless I’m really lucky) when I passed by.

I’m always amazed at how delicate butterfly’s legs, antennae and proboscis are. This sturdy flower held up well to  the poking and prodding.

This garden was full of color and textures as well as other amazed tourists basking in the garden’s beauty.