Key takeaways:
- Around 100,000 visitors are expected at the University of Michigan’s annual peony bloom.
- The Michigan Peony Garden features one of the world’s largest collections of historic herbaceous peonies.
- The free attraction draws crowds each spring with thousands of colorful, fragrant flowers.
Tens of thousands of visitors are traveling to the University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum this spring to view one of the world’s largest collections of historic herbaceous peonies, with officials expecting about 100,000 guests during the annual bloom season.
The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden, located within Nichols Arboretum, is attracting visitors from across the region as thousands of peony flowers reach peak bloom. The garden features hundreds of cultivated varieties dating from the 19th and early 20th centuries and is considered one of North America’s largest collections of historic herbaceous peonies.
University officials estimate that roughly 100,000 people will visit the Michigan Peony Garden this season. The display includes pink, white, and red blooms across a wide range of varieties, drawing flower enthusiasts, photographers, and nature lovers.
“It’s a really beautiful place to be,” said Nicole Calvin, who has visited the garden annually for the past 16 years. “I love that they come from different places, and there are different varieties, different colors. It smells amazing.”
Garden Preserves Historic Peony Varieties
The collection contains historic peonies developed before 1950 and represents American, Canadian, and European varieties. At peak bloom, visitors can see tens of thousands of flowers throughout the Michigan Peony Garden.
Doug Conley, horticulture lead for Nichols Arboretum, said the peony’s popularity stems from its dramatic appearance and seasonal impact.
“There’s been a long fascination with this plant because, when it’s at peak, it’s so out there,” Conley said. “It’s such a big show.”
Conley said the scale of the collection sets it apart from most public gardens.
“When you see this garden at peak bloom, there’s nothing like it,” he said. “You’re captivated by it.”
Annual Bloom Creates Popular Spring Tradition
The bloom period has become a seasonal attraction in Ann Arbor, with large crowds visiting the arboretum each year. The influx of visitors is significant enough that transportation arrangements are made to help manage attendance during the busiest periods.
The Michigan Peony Garden is open daily from sunrise to sunset and does not charge admission. Horticulture staff recommends visiting early in the morning or later in the evening to experience the flowers’ strongest fragrance.
Beyond its horticultural value, Conley said the garden offers visitors an opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy a peaceful outdoor setting.
“It is restorative for all of us, I think, to come out into nature and be surrounded by joy, beauty,” he said. “It’s a delightful place for people to just come and gather and be.”
The annual peony bloom at the Michigan Peony Garden typically lasts only a short period each spring, making the display a highly anticipated event for returning visitors and first-time guests alike.
Visit more of our news! Future Education Magazine