Matthaei Botanical Gardens | Ann Arbor

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens, located on 350 acres in Ann Arbor, Michigan, are operated by the University of Michigan and have been a center for botanical study, conservation, and public education since their founding in 1907. This extensive facility combines beautifully designed outdoor gardens, natural landscapes, a large conservatory, and educational programs, making it a vital resource for plant science research, environmental stewardship, and community engagement.

Outdoor Gardens and Plant Collections

The gardens are organized into several distinct outdoor areas, each designed to highlight different ecosystems, plant types, and gardening traditions:

Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden: This garden draws inspiration from Tudor-style knot gardens, featuring a geometric layout where herbs and plants are arranged in intricate, interlaced patterns. The selection focuses on plants historically used for culinary flavors, natural dyes, medicinal purposes, and artistic crafts. This garden invites visitors to explore the practical and cultural significance of herbs throughout history.

Demonstration Prairie: This area recreates native prairie ecosystems that once covered large portions of Michigan. It includes a rich variety of native grasses and wildflowers that bloom throughout the growing season. This prairie serves as a habitat for local pollinators, birds, and small mammals, emphasizing the importance of prairie conservation and biodiversity in Midwestern landscapes.

Gaffield Children’s Garden: Designed specifically for young visitors and families, this interactive garden encourages hands-on learning through play. It includes nature trails, a butterfly garden that attracts native pollinators, a maze, a sandbox, and tactile exhibits. This garden fosters curiosity about plants, insects, and the natural world in a safe and engaging environment.

Great Lakes Garden: This garden showcases plant species native to the Great Lakes region’s diverse habitats such as open dunes, alvars (limestone plains), and prairies. It features native orchids, prairie wildflowers, and plants adapted to harsh and variable conditions. The design helps visitors understand the unique ecology of the Great Lakes basin and the plant communities that thrive there.

Helen V. Smith Woodland Wildflower Garden: Situated under a canopy of mature trees, this garden highlights over 100 species of native woodland wildflowers, shrubs, ferns, and groundcovers found in the southern Great Lakes region. It provides a tranquil setting and educates visitors on the biodiversity and seasonal changes of forest understories.

Kimberly Maged Perennial Garden: This vibrant garden features a colorful, seasonally changing array of perennial flowers. The design emphasizes visual appeal through texture, color, and form, with plants that bloom from spring to fall, offering continuous interest and fragrance. This garden demonstrates principles of sustainable perennial gardening and plant selection.

Labyrinth: This outdoor feature is a winding path designed for walking meditation and contemplation. It provides visitors with a peaceful space to slow down, reflect, and connect with nature, enhancing the therapeutic and spiritual dimensions of garden visits.

Melvyn C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden: Known for its exceptional collection, this garden contains nationally and internationally acclaimed bonsai specimens, particularly azaleas and pines. The bonsai collection showcases the delicate art of miniature tree cultivation, emphasizing patience, artistry, and horticultural expertise.

Marie Azary Rock Garden: Featuring plants adapted to rocky, well-drained habitats, this garden presents a variety of succulents, alpines, and drought-tolerant species. The rock garden emphasizes the remarkable adaptations plants have developed to survive in harsh environments.

Conservatory

One of the standout features of Matthaei Botanical Gardens is its large conservatory, which spans over 10,000 square feet and was designed by architect Alden B. Dow. It is one of the largest university-operated display greenhouses in the United States and consists of three distinct climate zones:

Tropical House: This section replicates the warm, humid environments of tropical regions. It features lush vegetation such as bromeliads, cycads, coffee plants, and tropical orchids. Visitors can experience the dense, vibrant growth typical of tropical rainforests.

Temperate House: Here, plants from regions with seasonal climates, including cold winters and hot summers, are displayed. This section contains species such as figs, olives, magnolias, and cork trees. It offers insight into temperate ecosystems and their characteristic plant adaptations.

Arid House: This dry environment houses drought-resistant plants native to deserts across Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Visitors encounter various cacti, succulents, and other xerophytic species adapted to extreme water scarcity.

The conservatory provides year-round plant displays, educational opportunities, and a controlled environment to study diverse plant groups not suited to Michigan’s outdoor climate.

Trails and Natural Areas

Surrounding the cultivated gardens are nearly three miles of natural walking trails that traverse woodlands, wetlands, prairies, and river habitats:

Dix Pond Trail: This scenic path winds through forested areas and wetlands, allowing visitors to experience diverse plant and animal life along the pond’s edge.

Fleming Creek Trail: Following the creek’s course, this trail highlights riparian ecosystems, demonstrating the importance of waterways and their surrounding vegetation.

Marilyn Bland Prairie Trail: This trail crosses restored prairie land, offering views of native grasses and wildflowers that support pollinators and wildlife.

Sam Graham Trees Trail: Dedicated to native Michigan tree species, this trail educates visitors on the region’s arboreal diversity and forest ecology.

Sue Reichert Discovery Trail: Designed especially for children and families, this trail features educational signage and interactive elements to engage young naturalists.

Campus Farm

The Matthaei Botanical Gardens campus includes the University of Michigan Campus Farm, a living laboratory dedicated to sustainable agriculture and food justice. This student-driven initiative combines ecological farming practices with community engagement, offering educational programs about food systems, environmental stewardship, and social equity. The farm produces organic vegetables and herbs, contributing to campus dining and local food access initiatives.

Educational Programs and Events

Matthaei Botanical Gardens serves as a vibrant educational center offering a wide variety of programs for all ages. These include:

School and University Tours: Tailored group visits that teach plant biology, ecology, and environmental awareness.

Workshops and Classes: Hands-on opportunities in gardening, plant care, sustainable practices, and botanical arts.

Seasonal Events: Annual celebrations such as the Peony Pilgrimage, which attracts visitors to see one of the largest collections of historic herbaceous peonies in the world, along with plant sales, art fairs, and seasonal festivals.

Community Engagement: Outreach programs aimed at promoting environmental literacy and sustainable living within the wider Ann Arbor community.

Research and Conservation: The gardens support scientific research projects focused on plant systematics, ecology, conservation biology, and restoration ecology, often collaborating with university departments and external organizations.

Visitor Information and Accessibility

Visitors to Matthaei Botanical Gardens enjoy free admission, with donations encouraged to support ongoing maintenance and programs. The gardens are open daily, with extended summer hours typically from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM and shorter winter hours from 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Parking is available on-site for a fee, with discounts for members and students.

The facility is designed for accessibility, featuring paved paths, wheelchair-friendly routes, and educational materials available in multiple formats to accommodate diverse visitor needs.

Summary

Matthaei Botanical Gardens is a multifaceted institution blending horticulture, ecology, education, and community involvement. Its wide variety of themed gardens, natural trails, a world-class conservatory, and a working campus farm make it a premier destination for anyone interested in plants, nature, and sustainability. The gardens not only offer beauty and tranquility but also serve as a dynamic center for scientific research, environmental education, and cultural connection in the heart of Ann Arbor.