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Matthaei_Botanical_Gardens Latitude and Longitude:
42°18′4.2″N 83°39′50.5″W / 42.301167°N 83.664028°W / 42.301167; -83.664028
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Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Outdoor gardens at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Established1907 (1907)
Location1800 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 [1]
Coordinates 42°16′53″N 83°43′24″W / 42.28131°N 83.72329°W / 42.28131; -83.72329
TypeArboretum and Botanical Gardens
DirectorAnthony Kolenic [2]
CuratorDavid Michener
Owner University of Michigan
Website Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum

The University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens (300 acres, 121 hectares) includes botanical gardens, natural areas with trails, and several research-quality habitats and is part of the organization Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. [1] It was established in 1907. [3]

The botanical gardens includes outdoor display gardens, the Gaffield Children's Garden, a 10,000+ square-foot conservatory, and natural areas with walking trails. [1] The gardens are named after former Michigan regent Frederick C. Matthaei Sr. and his wife Mildred, who donated 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land. [4]

Gardens and hardy collections

The gardens and hardy collections consist of several formal displays and outdoor plantings:

  • Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden [1] - modern version of a Tudor period garden, with hedges of the yew ( Taxus x media 'hicksii') and boxwood ( Buxus sempervirens ‘Green Gem’), as well as lavender ( Lavandula angustifolia ‘Hidcote’), creeping thyme ( Thymus serpyllum), and winter savory ( Satureja montana).[ citation needed] The Herb Knot Garden honors "Sandy" Hicks (1934-1991) for her interest in herb and culinary gardening and healing plants and for her enthusiasm in sharing these interests with others. [1]
  • Demonstration Prairie - a restored prairie, restoration beginning in 1967, on previously agricultural land.[ citation needed]
  • Gaffield Children's Garden - The garden features several play areas and interactive stations. [1]
  • Gateway Garden of New World Plants [1] - ornamental plants native to the Americas, including coreopsis, cosmos, marigolds, ornamental peppers, petunias, phlox, sunflowers, tropical salvias, and verbenas.
  • Helen V. Smith Woodland Wildflower Garden [1] - more than 100 native species of wildflowers, woody plants, and ferns of the southern Great Lakes Region.
  • Labyrinth [1] - located in a quiet setting, the labyrinth provides the opportunity for walking meditation, contemplation, and tranquility
  • Marie Azary Rock Garden - a rock garden featuring plants that thrive in rocky habitats. [1]
  • Matteson Farmstead and Historic Barns [1] - the Matteson farmhouse dates to the 1860s. The smaller barn was built circa 1845-1865, while the larger, gambrel-roofed barn is circa 1875-1900. The farmstead and barns are currently closed to the public (August 2011).
  • Norman Memorial Garden - The Norman Memorial Grove is near the west entrance to the Sue Reichert Discovery Trail. The Grove has been expanded with new plantings of native oak, maple, hickory, and sassafras.
  • Perennial Garden - Spring and summer bloom. [1]
  • Sam Graham Trees [1] - A special collection of major trees native to the state of Michigan.
  • Urban Pocket Garden [1] - European hornbeam ( Carpinus betulus), eastern white pines ( Pinus strobus), and Kentucky coffeetree ( Gymnocladus dioicus).

Conservatory

The 10,000+ square-foot conservatory was designed by architect Alden Dow, and completed in 1964. It is believed to be the largest university-operated display greenhouse in the United States.[ citation needed] The conservatory contains three distinct areas:

Natural areas and trails

The natural areas include mature woodlands, wetlands, several ponds, and a constructed tall-grass prairie, with four nature trails covering 3.2 miles.

  • Dix Pond Trail [1] - Nature reclaims old pastures, planted woodlots, and long-abandoned gravel pits.
  • Fleming Creek Trail [1] - Abundant habitat diversity along with smaller wildlife.
  • Marilyn Bland Prairie [1] - a rich span of wildlife lives in the prairie, old fields, oak openings, and wetlands that are close to the historic Matteson farm and barns.
  • Sam Graham Trees Trail [1] - Find Michigan's important trees arrayed in wetland to upland woods and into savanna habitats along this trail.
  • Sue Reichert Discovery Trail [1] - Child-oriented.

Gallery

  • Visitor center
    Visitor center
  • Willow Pond
    Willow Pond
  • Gateway Garden of New World Plants
    Gateway Garden of New World Plants
  • Greenhouse and Spring-Back Gateway
    Greenhouse and Spring-Back Gateway
  • Herb Knot Garden
    Herb Knot Garden
  • Gaffield Children's Garden
    Gaffield Children's Garden
  • Rustic habitat trail
    Rustic habitat trail
  • Wayfinder's Maze
    Wayfinder's Maze
  • Stony stream
    Stony stream
  • Amphitheater
    Amphitheater
  • Fairy & Troll Knoll
    Fairy & Troll Knoll
  • Wetland kiosk
    Wetland kiosk

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

42°18′4.2″N 83°39′50.5″W / 42.301167°N 83.664028°W / 42.301167; -83.664028

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u "Visitor Guide & Map" (PDF). Matthaei Botanical Gardens University of Michigan. June 2017. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  2. ^ Marowski, Steve (24 December 2020). "New director picked for Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Nichols Arboretum". Michigan Live. Retrieved 2 February 2024.
  3. ^ "Strategic Plan". Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. Retrieved 2024-02-02.
  4. ^ Bush, Larry (26 March 1973). "Regent-Emeritus Fred Matthaei Dies". Ann Arbor News. Retrieved 2024-02-02 – via Ann Arbor District Library.
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