Must-see Nusrseries/Gardens in Michigan

12 years ago

This might be a little off topic, but here it goes. We are heading north to Mackinaw and Mackinac Island over Labor Day weekend. Of course, I would love to stop at nurseries or gardens along the way. What are some of the must-see gardeners dream places in MI that you would recommend? Maybe out of the ordinary nurseries that you have visited and left with too many treasures?

We plan on traveling through the central part of Michigan along I69 through Lansing and north and most likely along the Lake Michigan shores on the way home. Thanks for any advice or feedback you can give.

Comments (8)

ninamarie
12 years ago
Arrowhead Alpines, Fowlerville.
Arrowheadalpines.com
gazania_gw
12 years ago
Here is two public gardens that would be a little out of your way, but if you have the time well worth a visit. And an outstanding nursery, Bordines, has several locations. The one in Grand Blanc would be not too far away from the I69/I75 interchange. You will have to copy and paste these addresses.

http://www.bordines.com/directions.html

http://hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu/

http://www.dowgardens.org/
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Unless you want to be very unpopular with your husband's family, or have weeks on your hands to visit, it is unlikely that you will be able to hit the west side of the state (Holland & Grand Rapids etc.)which will be around 4 hours from Ste. Clair Co. But Hidden Gardens would be a nice trip. I don't disagree that May is a beautiful month in Michigan. As a gardener it is my favorite, because it really caps off several months of yearning to see color and some sun. However, if you are looking for wild explosions of flowers, as you have in the south in the spring, you might be disappointed, as at that time we are just beginning to put annuals in the ground, and most of our perennials are not blooming yet. But listen to Dave, who is in S.E. Michigan. What you will have the advantage of seeing is our native plants (wildflowers) blooming, as well as the flowering fruit trees, which are glorious. You will also see many of the late bulbs that require overwintering that you cannot grow. So, it is best to visit the kind of arboretum or nature center that has native plants and lots of trees. BTW, Michiganders wondering about the Kzoo arboretum, you are thinking of the Kellogg Biological Station around Gull Lake, which belongs to MSU.
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Exactly, Bunnycat. But, the inspector has seen the pics that I posted on this forum, even knows which hostas that I listed as showing damage. Unless the nursery pitched them, all the inspector has to do is take a few samples of those varieties, and there lies the evidence! I'm so glad that I took pics of them, as a matter of fact I believe I took about 3 dozen pics that day of their hostas. Many of the pics only show the beginning of the damage....you know, that all-too obvious yellowing between the veins. Last year I had gotten involved with another nursery selling diseased plants (HVX) to the public. I called the Dept Of Ag then too. The inspector told me to call him ANYTIME I see something suspious. Those guys/gals are too overworked and can't be everywhere. I think that they really do appreciate our (the public) watchful eye. This inspector is a hosta lover himself and after speaking to him on the phone this past spring, I know that nematodes are a concern to him too. I know WHY a nursery knowingly sells infected plants.....I just don't know HOW they could do it. I couldn't!!!!!!! As the saying goes...profit isn't a dirty word, but greed is. At least IMHO it is. Something that I learned from this 2nd experience.....I think I totally wasted my time talking to the nursery workers, if it be owner...manager or clerk. From now on I'm just going to call the Dept of Ag and get them involved. Oh, and of course take lots of pictures!
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marcindy
Original Author
12 years ago
How could I have not thought of Arrowhead Nurseries ... The others are new to me... I'll see how many I can manage to casually slip into the travel plans...:-)

Thanks for the tips!
ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
12 years ago
gee tree farm in stockbridge .. just north of jackson MI ...

they have incredible 10 acre conifer arboretum ...

if you have a 3 day weekend.. i really dont see how you are going to cover any of them with any requisite time ...

ken

Here is a link that might be useful: i am not sure their online catalog is current ...
marcindy
Original Author
12 years ago
I totally agree Ken, three days is not very much. But I view this more as a scouting/reconnaissance weekend for a week-long trip next year. I figured it couldn't hurt to set the expectations with a certain other important person in my life early on...
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
12 years ago
Deborah Silver has some entries in her blog, Dirt Simple, about her time as the garden designer at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island. I'm not sure if any of this still exists, but it is probably worth checking out if the current owners have a similar willingness to invest in their gardens.

http://www.deborahsilver.com/blog/?tag=grand-hotel-gardens
http://www.deborahsilver.com/blog/?tag=grand-hotel-topiary-sculptures
http://www.deborahsilver.com/blog/?p=18277
jacquierz5bmi
12 years ago
Frederick Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids.
northerngirl_mi
12 years ago
Based on your travel route, you might be driving right past Pine Hill Nursery on US-31 about 10 miles north of Elk Rapids. (20 miles south of Charlevoix - Antrim County). If so, might be a good time to stretch your legs and take a look around. This isn;t a 'must-see' but is probably the best garden center /nursery in NW Michigan...And like most, it makes a better visit in spring or summer rather than toward the 'end of season'.

Let us know what gems, if any, you pick up on your trip.

http://pinehill-nursery.com

Beth
Z5 NW Michigan near Traverse City

Must-see Nusrseries/Gardens in Michigan

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Must-see Nusrseries/Gardens in Michigan

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ninamarie

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