TheUniversity of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens (300acres, 121hectares) includesbotanical 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 MichiganregentFrederick C. Matthaei Sr. and his wife Mildred, who donated 200 acres (0.81 km2) of land.[4]
The gardens and hardy collections consist of several formal displays and outdoor plantings:
Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden[1] - modern version of aTudor 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 restoredprairie, restoration beginning in 1967, on previously agricultural land.[citation needed]
Gaffield Children's Garden - The garden features several play areas and interactive stations.[1]
Helen V. Smith Woodland Wildflower Garden[1] - more than 100 native species ofwildflowers, woody plants, andferns 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 - arock 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.
The 10,000+ square-foot conservatory was designed by architectAlden Dow, and completed in 1964. It is believed to be the largest university-operated display greenhouse in the United States.[5] The conservatory contains three distinct areas:
Bonsai Collection - three bonsai trees or plants are always on display in the temperate house of the conservatory. There is also a bonsai display garden located outside of the conservatory where more of the bonsai collection is displayed for the public.
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.
