The distinct orange and black pattern of Monarch butterflies, right, can be seen among the foliage at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens' Butterfly Forest, open now through Sept. 6. Also debuting Saturday are playful gargoyles gracing the greens as "Gargoyles in the Garden."

PITTSBURGH — The Phipps' Summer Flower Show, "Gargoyles in the Garden," debuts Saturday at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park.

Running through Sept. 12, the show features summer annuals juxtaposed with gothic gargoyles and other architectural elements.

These sculptural pieces of art appear throughout the Conservatory, peering out from petunias, dahlias and geraniums, among others.

The Palm Court, the first room guests walk into upon entering Phipps' exhibit space, shows off massive gargoyle statues — one of which is 6 feet tall and weighs 1,000 pounds — surrounded by exotic begonias, impatiens and primrose.

Carved faces encircled by foliage known as green men and prevalent in Romanesque architecture appear in the Fern and Stove Rooms.

In the Sunken Garden, Venetian griffins and winged lions are displayed alongside working gargoyle spouts, bougainvillea, hibiscus and geraniums.

The Broderie Room's French garden displays the softer side of gothic art with feminine sculptures and yellow petunias.

Also open now is the annual Butterfly Forest.

Various species of butterflies flying among the flowers and foliage in the Stove Room.Guests can witness amazing transformations up close as butterflies emerge from chrysalises, stretch to their full size and prepare for their first flight.Look for backyard species such as Monarchs, which have a distinct orange and black pattern, and Swallowtails, which have dark wings with a shock of bright blue.Other species not encountered in Western Pennsylvania are also featured, including Zebra Longwings, which have yellow and black stripes, and Banded Peacocks, with bright red markings. Fragrant flowers, which attract butterflies because they contain a high concentration of nectar, appear throughout the Stove Room.The Butterfly Forest continues through Sept. 6.Phipps is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours until 10 p.m. Fridays. Admission is $12 for adults, $11 for senior citizens age 62 and older and students with valid ID, $9 for children ages 2 to 18.Call 412-622-6914 or visit phipps.conservatory.org.

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Visitors to Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens can witness butterflies emerging their from chrysalises as part of the Butterfly Forest continuing through Sept. 6.

submitted photoPlayful gargoyles grace the greens as "Gargoyles in the Garden" debuts Saturday at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Schenley Park.