Gardens and Hardy Collections
The gardens and hardy collections consist of several formal displays and outdoor plantings:
- Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden - modern version of a Tudor period garden, with hedges of 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). 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.
- Demonstration Prairie - a restored prairie, restoration beginning in 1967, on previously agrigultural land.
- Demonstration Prairie - a place for exploration and fun in a natural setting specially designed from a kids'-eye view. The garden includes several play areas and interactive stations.
- Gaffield Children's Garden - a place for exploration and fun in a natural setting specially designed from a child's perspective. The garden features several play areas and interactive stations.
- Gateway Garden of New World Plants - ornamental plants native to the Americas, including coreopsis, cosmos, marigolds, ornamental peppers, petunias, phlox, sunflowers, tropical salvias, and verbenas.
- Helen V. Smith Woodland Wildflower Garden - more than 100 native species of wildflowers, woody plants, and ferns of the southern Great Lakes Region.
- Labyrinth - located in a quiet setting, the labyrinth provides the opportunity for walking meditation, contemplation, and tranquility
- Marie Azary Rock Garden - a rock garden.
- Matteson Farmstead and Historic Barns - 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 curretnly closed to the public (August 2011).
- Norman Memorial Garden - The Norman Memorial Grove is a popular gathering place 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.
- Perennial Garden - Spring and summer bloom and a popular wedding spot.
- Sam Graham Trees - A special collection of major trees native to the state of Michigan.
- Transitions - entryway to trails and wetlands.
- Urban Pocket Garden - European hornbeam (Carpinus betulus), eastern white pines (Pinus strobus), and Kentucky coffeetree (Gymnocladus dioicus).
Read more about this topic: Matthaei Botanical Gardens
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