Matthaei Botanical Gardens
Outdoor gardens at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens
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| Location | 1800 N. Dixboro Rd, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48105 |
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| Coordinates | 42°16′53″N 83°43′24″W / 42.28131°N 83.72329°W |
| Type | Arboretum and Botanical Gardens |
| Director | Robert Grese |
| Curator | David 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. The conservatory is popular year round. The public entrance is at 1800 North Dixboro Road in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The grounds are open every day, but trails are not maintained in the winter. The Conservatory, Garden Store, and Lobby are open 7 days a week: Mon., Tues., and Thurs. - Sun., 10:00 am–4:30 pm; Wednesdays 10 am-8 pm. The building complex is only closed on three holidays a year. The institution's main web site with updated information is Matthaei Botanical Gardens.
The Botanical Gardens includes outdoor display gardens, the Gaffield Children's Garden, a 10,000+ square-foot conservatory, and natural areas with walking trails. 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.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens offers activities and resources for all visitors, from families to gardening enthusiasts to hikers, birders, scientists, volunteers, and to University of Michigan faculty, staff, and students. The Gardens is dedicated to environmental stewardship and to enriching the understanding and enjoyment of the natural world through research, creative works, public outreach, and educational programs and workshops for adults and children.
The gardens and hardy collections consist of several formal displays and outdoor plantings:
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. The conservatory contains three distinct areas:
The natural areas include mature woodlands, wetlands, several ponds, and a constructed tall grass prairie, with four nature trails covering 3.2 miles.
Visitor Center
Willow Pond
Gateway Garden of New World Plants
Greenhouse and Spring-Back Gateway
Herb Knot Garden
Gaffield Children's Garden
Rustic Habitat Trail
Wayfinder's Maze
Stony Stream
Amphitheater
Fairy & Troll Knoll
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