The larger-than-life pitcher plant was constructed with wire mesh and fiberglass. The white circular outline is where a hole will be cut so visitors can see the inner structure of the plant and insects trapped inside. Here, Ron Chesser details with acrylic paint after it was airbrushed. The pitcher plant took about six months to complete.
Stan Blomeley photo

Naturalist William Bartram described carnivorous plants as a "sporting vegetable" during his travels through northwest Florida in the 1770s. Robble Ruter of Festival Signs painstakingly paints the entire quote using a prop stick to make sure nothing is smeared by his hand.
Jeff Gage photo

Karen Aneiro places plants into the bog diorama. Each plant is made by hand and then glued individually into the display.
Jeff Gage photo

The bog environment was designed with a raised floor to incorporate a clear viewing portal and mini-diorama.
Jeff Gage photo

The finished bog floor allows the visitor to see smaller bog inhabitants - crayfish, skinks, lizards, insects, spiders, centipedes and other arthropods.
Jeff Gage photo