ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The vibrant and fragrant peonies at the University of Michigan are once again drawing visitors from near and far. This annual tradition sees the campus abuzz with excitement as people flock to witness one of the world’s most distinguished peony collections, showcasing vivid red, white, and pink blooms in an array of shades and forms.
Among those visiting the Nichols Arboretum this week was Melanie Millar, who along with her friends, selected the location as a picturesque backdrop for graduation photos. Melanie, an 18-year-old about to graduate from a high school near Detroit, expressed her enthusiasm for the blooming displays. “I’m here with my best friends — a bunch of girls. We came here to get pictures since it’s going to be a nice day, and the Peony Garden seemed like a nice place to go to,” she remarked.
The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden is renowned for housing the largest assemblage of historic — pre-1950 — herbaceous peonies in North America, and possibly, the world. Curator David Michener emphasized the allure of the garden, “Once you come here to the Peony Garden, you’ll be mesmerized, and you’ll understand why people love peonies. The fragrances, the colors, the forms, it’s just intoxicating.”
This seasonal peony spectacle attracts tens of thousands of visitors each spring, eager to immerse themselves in the beauty of these unique perennials. The influx of visitors is so significant that special transport arrangements are often necessary. However, this year, the celebration was overshadowed by an act of vandalism. Earlier in the week, vandals had destroyed approximately 250 peony blooms, disrupting the serene atmosphere of the garden.
The University of Michigan Division of Public Safety and Security reported the incident, noting that some papers left behind linked the act to a political statement regarding the conflict in Gaza. Visitor Linda J.K. Klenczar expressed her dismay, “What would possess someone just to destroy nature and the beauty of it? It’s just unfathomable. There’s no explanation.”
The timing of the peonies’ peak bloom is unpredictable, making the anticipation all the more engaging for enthusiasts who closely follow updates on the arboretum’s Instagram page. According to Michener, “What makes it so challenging to predict is they pay no attention to the calendar. They’re driven totally by day and night temperatures.”
This rich Peony Garden comprises over 300 historic cultivated varieties hailing from the 19th and early 20th centuries, containing American, Canadian, and European peonies. Typically, the garden bursts with up to 10,000 blooms at peak. Besides their visual appeal, these flowers serve an academic purpose, acting as a research collection for students and faculty tackling issues in genomics and social studies.
Collaborative efforts between the University of Michigan and the Central Botanical Garden in Minsk allow researchers to delve deeper into the relationships between ornamental and wild peonies. As for visiting, guests are welcome to explore the garden from sunrise to sunset, free of charge, with Michener advising that the fragrances are most potent in the morning or late in the day.
Describing her connection to the blooms, Millar noted, “It’s very colorful. I have a lot of peonies in my backyard, so I have a spot for them. But they’re a beautiful flower.” This iconic floral display continues to captivate the senses and inspire a profound appreciation for nature’s elegance.