We hope you’re tending to your inner garden. Seasonal gardens in Detroit are powerful and peaceful simultaneously. They offer ways of being present in the city by getting the community immersed in nature. Some garden spots are newer while others are beloved, traditional acres that have something new sprouting each year.
If you want to take this information an extra step, see if you can find ways to make your own living area a little greener.
PTHOTO ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY / FACEBOOK
ANNA SCRIPPS WHITCOMB CONSERVATORY-DETROIT
This wouldn’t be a Detroitisit list without highlighting the natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities at Belle Isle. Change can be a breath of fresh air when it comes in the shape of seasonal views. Enjoy the day at the tree-covered island in the heart of the Detroit River or check out the fall tour schedule at the Belle Isle Conservatory. There are five distinct indoor gardens: an 85-foot Palm House; a Show House with changing seasonal displays; a Tropical House; a Cactus House; and a Fernery. Trees are planted every year. Visit Belle Isle Conservatory for more info.
Location: 300 River Place Dr, #2800, Detroit, MI
OUDOLF GARDEN DETROIT
PHOTO OUDOLF GARDEN DETROIT / FACEBOOK
Planted on Belle Isle in the fall of 2020, the Oudolf Garden Detroit is a work of art, characterized by Piet Oudolf’s signature use of colorful native grasses and hardy perennial flowers. You’ve likely seen the internationally renowned Dutch garden designer and horticulturist’s displays, considering he created the planting designs for the High Line in New York City and the Lurie Garden in Chicago. Join the 4 million+ people a year in artistic preservation. In summer, sunbathe on its beaches and bird-watch. You can still check it out any time of the year for a getaway close to home. Explore the three district areas; the Main Garden, the Rain Garden, and the Meadows. Click HERE to learn more.
Location: Oudolf Garden Detroit, MI
LAFAYETTE GREENS
Yes, there is natural green in downtown Detroit. If you haven’t already visited this urban garden, then we suggest you get out of town! Lafayette Greens creates an escape from city life with manicured lawns, vegetable gardens, an abundance of flowers, art sculptures, and even patio seating with umbrellas. Truly immersing, this sensory garden encourages visitors to touch, smell, and feel the plethora of plants including exotic varieties like lavender. Not to mention, the produce grown here is all donated to a local food bank.
Location: 132 W Lafayette Blvd, Detroit, MI
PHOTO W. J. BEAL BOTANICAL GARDEN / FACEBOOK
W.J. BEAL BOTANICAL GARDENS AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY-EAST LANSING
Michigan campuses look particularly stunning in the Autumn season, but the gardens offer unique colors in other seasons as well. Become one with Michigan State University’s campus is home to the nation’s oldest continuously-operating botanical garden, the W.J. Beal Botanical Gardens. See what’s growing in these gardens rooted in the late 1800s. It’s an easy walk from Spartan Stadium and residence halls, you’ll be in contact with more than 5,000 plant species in the plentiful gardens. Look for fruits and vegetables, flowering plants, medicinal, and rare and endangered plants.
Location: West Circle Drive adjacent to the library, MSU Campus, East Lansing, MI
PHOTO CRANBROOK HOUSE AND GARDENS / FACEBOOK
CRANBROOK HOUSE & GARDENS
Many Michiganders have enjoyed family time at this architectural wonder. It’s an enchanting, historical spot with all the flowers in many remarkable gardens, and the feeling of the rich history, Cranbrook Gardens hours include Spring (Preseason) March 14-May 30 7:00 am-7:00 pm. The Summer (Tour Season) is June 1 – September 30, 7:00 am-7:00 pm, and the Fall/Winter (Off-season) is October 1 – March 13, 8:00 am-5:00 pm. Winter hours are weather permitting. There’s not much popping in the off-season, considering the garden beds will be pulled, restroom facilities closed, fountains turned off, and sculptures may be covered. The Cranbrook House tour season runs from June through October.
Location: 380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI
GARDEN FLOWERS, PHOTO MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NCHOLS ARBORETUM / FACEBOOK
MATTHAEI BOTANICAL GARDENS AND NICHOLS ARBORETUM
Nichols Arboretum has much to offer for your viewing pleasure each Autumn on the University of Michigan campus. Anyone in the state of Michigan knows Ann Arbor is a prime color spot. Discover the beauty year-round with these 350 acres. Known as “The Arb”, Nichols Arboretum is filled with amazing foliage. Check out the Matthaei’s perennial gardens, natural wetlands, and conservatory displays, a native Michigan wildflower garden, and the Herb Knot garden, planted with medicinal and culinary plants. Wander your way through the trails, trees, gardens, ponds, and streams. Plenty of connected trails to hike with a buddy. Cheers to inner connectedness outdoors in nature.
Location: 1610 Washington Hts. Ann Arbor, MI
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