American artist David Rogers, the mastermind behind the “Stickasaurus” sculpture that was installed at Longwood Gardens in 1993, has furthered his large-limbed endeavors with a “Big Bugs” exhibit at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside, Va., writes Kate Kimmel for the Henrico (Va.) Citizen.

Stickasaurus, a massive dinosaur made of dry branches, was his first public commission and debuted at Longwood. Rogers, a native of New York, displayed Big Bugs at Longwood in 1995, and since then, these “hidden gardeners” have been showcased at different locations around the U.S. 

Ten wooden creations arrived at the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden on May 27 and will be on display until Aug. 28.  

They are made of found or fallen trees, willow limbs, twigs, branches, and other forest materials. Not only do they look cool, but they also educate visitors about the importance of pollinators in maintaining the Earth’s ecosystem. The sculptures include a spider, praying mantis, dragonfly, bee, and more. 

“I was like, I just get to play this role to help the botanical gardens with their appeal to wider audiences and their mission statements for preservation and conservation,” said Rogers. 

Read more about the Big Bugs in the Henrico (Va.) Citizen.