A Blooming Legacy: Ann Arbor’s Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum Pinterest+6wemu.org+6YouTube+6
If you're in Ann Arbor this week, now is the perfect time to visit the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at Nichols Arboretum.With nearly 800 peony plants and over 10,000 blooms at peak, the garden is approaching its most spectacular display of the year .aadl.org+5Matthaei Gardens+5Ann Arbor+5YouTube+2Ann Arbor+2Matthaei Gardens+2
🌸 A Century of Color and Community
The Peony Garden has been a cherished part of Ann Arbor since 1922, when Dr. William E. Upjohn donated his extensive collection of peonies to the University of Michigan. By 1927, the garden opened to the public, featuring a formal arrangement of 27 beds designed by Professor Aubrey Tealdi . Today, it stands as the largest public collection of historic (pre-1950) herbaceous peony cultivars in North America .University of Michigan Press+2Matthaei Gardens+2Wikipedia+2Matthaei Gardens+3Wikipedia+3Ann Arbor with Kids+3
🌿 The Arb: Ann Arbor’s Natural Heart
Locals often refer to Nichols Arboretum as “The Arb,” and it's affectionately considered Ann Arbor's version of Central Park. Spanning 128 acres along the Huron River, the Arb offers a diverse landscape of woodlands, prairies, and gardens, providing a serene escape within the city .Ann ArborWikipedia
🌱 Preserving a Living Museum
The Peony Garden is more than a visual delight; it's a living museum of horticultural history. Many of the 350 heritage varieties showcased are no longer commercially available, making the garden a vital resource for conservation and education . Efforts to preserve and rejuvenate the garden have been ongoing, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this botanical treasure .wemu.orgAnn Arbor with Kids+1ecurrent.com+1Matthaei Gardens
📅 Plan Your Visit
Peak bloom typically occurs from late May through early June. Admission is free, and the garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset. For the latest updates on bloom status and visitor information, check the Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum website.Wikipedia+2Ann Arbor+2Ann Arbor with Kids+2wemu.org+6Matthaei Gardens+6Matthaei Gardens+6
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this annual burst of beauty and history. A visit to the Peony Garden is a celebration of nature, community, and the enduring legacy of those who have nurtured it for over a century.