Experience the Diverse Outdoor Gardens
We welcome you to stroll through the diverse outdoor gardens at Matthaei Botanical Gardens - spaces filled with seasonal blooms, tranquil water features, and world-class plant collections that provide a unique escape into the natural wonders of the world.
Melvyn C. Goldstein Bonsai Garden
This garden is home to a remarkable collection of trees, some of which have been cultivated for decades. From rugged pines to delicate maples, each bonsai reflects years of careful pruning, shaping, and attention. The garden invites visitors to take a closer look at these miniature landscapes and discover the artistry and horticultural knowledge that go into caring for trees that can live for generations.
Gaffield Children's Garden
Come experience the joy of play, exploration, and learning in our Gaffield Children's Garden—a place where children can connect with the natural world and build a deeper understanding of themselves and the environment.
Great Lakes Gardens
The Great Lakes Gardens exemplifies our commitment to preserving and celebrating Michigan's unique biodiversity, nurturing ecosystems, and fostering a profound connection with our local environment.
Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden
The Herb Knot Garden reflects the cultures and traditions that have influenced our connection with plants and showcases various plants used for culinary, artistic, and healing purposes around the world.
Labyrinth
Experience a novel and sublime moment in this one-of-a-kind reflection garden. Because of its secluded location, it’s the perfect site for visitors to have a calming and restorative experience.
Kimberly Maged Perennial Garden
The Kimberly Maged Perennial Garden features a diverse collection of perennial plants that return year after year. With changing blooms, colors, and textures throughout the growing season, the garden offers visitors something new to discover with each visit. Thoughtfully designed and maintained, it highlights the variety and seasonal rhythms of perennial gardening.
Rock Garden
The Rock Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens showcases the resilience of life in harsh terrains through a diverse array of plants with unique adaptations to rocky landscapes. Utilizing local tufa rock as a living medium, it provides a habitat for various species, including succulents and plants thriving in high-pH conditions, honoring the intricate tapestry of biocultural diversity amidst challenging natural settings.
Gateway Garden
The Gateway Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens features a diverse collection of ornamental plants from the Americas. It offers visitors an immersive experience in a world where vibrant blooms complement native pollinators, resulting in a captivating showcase of natural beauty and ecological interactions.
