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Photo courtesy of Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
Now is the perfect time to explore the vibrant beauty of nature and immerse yourself in tranquility at these magnificent gardens and conservatories across Metro Detroit. Each location provides a unique opportunity to reconnect with the serenity and splendor of nature.
Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory
4 Inselruhe Avenue, Detroit
The historic Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle, designed by celebrated architect Albert Kahn, is the oldest continuously running conservatory in the United States. It houses diverse collections within five distinct environments: the Palm House, Tropical House, Cactus House, the sunken Fernery, and the Show House with changing floral displays. This Conservatory is an exotic and rare collection of plants from around the world, providing visitors with educational and visually captivating experiences. Notable highlights include a historic lily-koi pond, seasonal outdoor flora displays, and remarkable structures like the Levi Barbour Memorial Fountain and the Peacock Sundial, erected almost 100 years ago. Its longstanding heritage and continual horticultural innovations make it an iconic destination in Detroit.
Cranbrook House & Gardens
380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills
Cranbrook House & Gardens, sprawling across 40 lush acres, offers visitors an ever-evolving display of botanical brilliance from spring through fall. Highlights among the 15+ gardens include the iconic Sunken Garden, meticulously planted each spring by dedicated volunteers, featuring vibrant patterns of seasonal flowers. Each spring, Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary volunteers create a work of botanical art, making this garden an annual must-see. The Butterfly Garden provides essential resources for monarch butterflies and is certified as an official Monarch Waystation. Visitors seeking peacefulness will cherish the historic Japanese Garden, one of the oldest in North America, filled with mature Japanese Maples and serene landscapes. Cranbrook also offers guided tours, enriching visitors with insights into the legacy of its founders and ties to Bloomfield Hills.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
1800 North Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor
At Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum, every season offers spectacular sights and smells. “Late spring kicks off with the iconic W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden, home to the largest collection of historic herbaceous peonies in North America,” shares Kerry Sprague, Marketing and Communications Manager. Equally captivating is the Azalea Bonsai collection that bursts into bloom shortly after. The Gardens’ indoor Conservatory showcases vibrant plant life from temperate, tropical, and arid climates, providing visitors with a global horticultural journey. Outdoor highlights include the Great Lakes Gardens and the sensory-rich Herb Knot Garden, both perfect for exploring native Michigan flora. “Whether you’re drawn to native plant beauty, global collections, or seasonal showstoppers, there’s always something to discover!”
Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens
22314 Northline Road, Taylor
Supported by the Taylor Conservatory Foundation, the Taylor Conservatory & Botanical Gardens offers a tranquil escape filled with blooming flowers, lush trails, and unique architectural elements. Its centerpiece, a stunning open-air Conservatory modeled after Detroit’s iconic Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, creates a breathtaking gateway to serene gardens, wooded trails, and impressive white pines. The gardens, open daily from dawn to dusk, also host guided group tours and engaging educational programs for children, providing memorable experiences in a picturesque setting.
From curated historical gardens to flourishing conservatories, Metro Detroit’s lush landscapes promise enjoyment and discovery across seasons. These verdant sanctuaries not only showcase nature’s beauty but also offer peaceful retreats and educational opportunities that enrich the Metro Detroit community.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on July 21, 2021, and was authored by Karen Dybis.
