Events
Matthaei Botanical Gardens
March 2019
Exhibit: Ancient Mysteries within the Gingers
Bananas, gingers, and their relatives descend from an ancient lineage. Today these plants live in the tropics and subtropics, but fossils tell us they once grew as far north as Alaska and Greenland. To understand the nearly 90-million-year history of bananas and gingers, faculty from University of Michigan and Cornell University looked to fossils to untangle the relationships of these extinct plants with their living relatives and what that means for evolution and geographic distribution. Because fossils don’t have DNA,…
Find out more »April 2019
Fairy Garden Display at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The fairies are returning to Matthaei! Magical fairies sparkle and twinkle as the flit about in the Conservatory at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Each fairy represents a natural element and has a matching garden or house. Can you find them all? There are eight gardens, each themed and decorated, and two houses. Display is free and runs March 23 through April 21.
Find out more »Fairy Garden Display at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The fairies are returning to Matthaei! Magical fairies sparkle and twinkle as the flit about in the Conservatory at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Each fairy represents a natural element and has a matching garden or house. Can you find them all? There are eight gardens, each themed and decorated, and two houses. Display is free and runs March 23 through April 21.
Find out more »Botanical Terminology: A Look at Words We Can Use to Describe Flower and Plant Parts
Accredited AOS judge Dave Miller familiarizes us with the anatomy and descriptions of orchids and other plants. Orchid judging at 1. Visitors welcome to observe. Presented by Great Lakes Judging Society (Orchids). Free.
Find out more »Fairy Garden Display at Matthaei Botanical Gardens
The fairies are returning to Matthaei! Magical fairies sparkle and twinkle as the flit about in the Conservatory at Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Each fairy represents a natural element and has a matching garden or house. Can you find them all? There are eight gardens, each themed and decorated, and two houses. Display is free and runs March 23 through April 21.
Find out more »Mindfulness-based Dementia Care
A free, 7-week program specifically designed for family caregivers of persons with dementia. Learn how the practice of mindfulness can help you cope with the challenges and stresses of dementia care, and also greatly improve the experience of the person in your care. Program time slot listed is tentative. For class times or to register call U-M Memory Connection at 734.936.8803. Program runs Mondays, April 15 – June 3. Presented by Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Free. NOTE: This program runs Monday mornings…
Find out more »May 2019
Workshop: Making Moth Repellent Sachets
Using herbs, spices, and cedar chips, participants will make moth repellent sachets to place in garment bags. Attendance is limited to 15 people. Registration required. Email: m.kaminski@comcast.net by May 1. $5 fee covers supplies and is paid at the door. Presented by the Herb Study Group
Find out more »2019 Stiltgrass Season: Learn to Identify and Control this Category 1 Invasive
A presentation on how to identify and control invasive stiltgrass, which becomes a monoculture within a year or two, stifling our native plants. Presented by Wild Ones Ann Arbor
Find out more »Special Member Hour: Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale
Matthaei-Nichols members enjoy a special pre-sale discount this morning. Join us for coffee, tea, and breakfast munchies, then shop the sale of containers and hanging baskets. Receive an additional 10% off purchases (20% total). Check out our large selection of container plantings and hanging baskets grown and designed by volunteers and staff in-house.
Find out more »2019 Spring Artist Market at Matthaei
Shop botanical themed art in all media from a wide variety of artists. No two items alike! Our twice-a-year artist markets bring great art from local artists to Matthaei Botanical Gardens for a one-day show. Shop from a curated assortment of fine artists, featuring a broad array of nature-inspired and garden-centric pieces in many media such as paintings, photography, textiles, jewelry, and more. Featured artists: Amy Balzer-Pemberton, Niki Shipman, Jennifer Stefanek, Bev & Len Spigoda, Penrith Goff, Erika Moeglich, U-M BioArtography,…
Find out more »Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale at Matthaei
Our hanging basket and container plantings are perfect for mom and grown and designed on site by staff and volunteers. All proceeds benefit Matthaei-Nichols. Free admission.
Find out more »Mother’s Day Weekend Plant Sale at Matthaei
Our hanging basket and container plantings are perfect for mom and grown and designed on site by staff and volunteers. All proceeds benefit Matthaei-Nichols. Free admission.
Find out more »Identification and Management of Africanized Honey Bee Genetics
Local nursery owner Vince St. Marie discusses this well-known topic and its implications for beekeepers. Presented by Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers
Find out more »Saving the Endangered Manatee
A presentation on manatees by U-M Dearborn faculty member Katherine LaCommare, Join us as we learn what problems these endangered animals face and what is being done to help them. Prsented by the Washtenaw Audubon Society
Find out more »Ikebana: Japanese Flower Arranging
Create your own seasonal Ikebana arrangement with help from a certified instructor. $20 fee covers flowers and instructor. Please email 2 weeks prior to each class to receive an e-invite to attend. Attendance limited to 25. Info: a2ikebana@gmail.com. Presented by the Ann Arbor Ikebana Intl. Chapter
Find out more »Caregiver Wellness Day
This free program for learning skills essential for continued health and well-being is designed for caregivers of adults living with memory loss. Info and to register: 734.936.8803. Presented by Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Free.
Find out more »Caregiver Wellness Day
This free program for learning skills essential for continued health and well-being is designed for caregivers of adults living with memory loss. Info and to register: 734.936.8803. Presented by the Michigan Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Find out more »Special Member Hour: Kitchen Favorites Sale
Matthaei-Nichols members enjoy a special pre-sale discount this morning on heirloom vegetables and herbs grown by student Campus Farm volunteers. Join us for coffee, tea, and breakfast munchies, then shop the sale of herbs and vegetables. Receive an additional 10% off purchases (20% total).
Find out more »Herb Study Group at the Kitchen Favorites Sale
Master Gardeners will be on hand during the Kitchen Favorites plant sale to answer questions. Presented by the Herb Study Group
Find out more »2019 Kitchen Favorites Sale
A sale of heirloom vegetables and herbs grown by U-M student volunteers. Proceeds benefit the Campus Farm and Matthaei-Nichols Plus, Herb Study Group on hand with herb samples and information on growing herbs.
Find out more »Herbs with Madolyn
Herb Study Group president Madolyn Kaminski answers questions about herbs and plants during the annual Kitchen Favorites herb and heirloom vegetable sale.
Find out more »2019 Kitchen Favorites Sale
A sale of heirloom vegetables and herbs grown by U-M student volunteers. Proceeds benefit the Campus Farm and Matthaei-Nichols Plus, Herb Study Group on hand with herb samples and information on growing herbs.
Find out more »Herbs with Madolyn
Herb Study Group president Madolyn Kaminski answers questions about herbs and plants during the annual Kitchen Favorites herb and heirloom vegetable sale.
Find out more »Orchid Viruses: What You Need to Know
Janet Lamborn’s presentation takes a close at each viral orchid pathogen, what it looks like, and how it’s transmitted. Also included: sanitation practices, testing options, and what to do with those results. Presented by the Ann Arbor Orchid Society
Find out more »How You Can Save People, The Planet And 10,000,000 Pounds Of Carbon Dioxide. Lessons Learned from 12 Years Working in Guatemala.
A presentation by John Barrie, founder of The Appropriate Technology Collaborative, a nonprofit that creates technologies and programs that provide opportunity and dignity for the world's poorest people. Presented by the Sierra Club Huron Valley
Find out more »June 2019
Hosta Stock Exchange
Trade your hosta breeding stock or participate in two hosta seedling competitions and share photographs of your plants. Presented by the Hosta Hybridizer Group
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Catching Your Breath
A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803. Presenetd by MI Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Find out more »Bonsai in Bloom: Satsuki Azalea Bonsai at Matthaei
Opening on Saturday, June 8, 2019 and running through Saturday, June 22, 2019, the The Bonsai & Penjing Garden at Matthaei Botanical Gardens will feature an exhibition of blooming Satsuki azalea from bonsai expert and collector Dr. Melvyn Goldstein. Among bonsai artists, Goldstein’s private collection is recognized as one of the finest in the United States. Free admission. June 8 - June 9, 2019 / Opening WeekendSaturday, June 8 - Opening Celebration Throughout the day on Saturday June 8 Matthaei…
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »A Backyard Beekeeper’s Guide to the Small Hive Beetle in Michigan
U-M faculty advisor, German instructor, and beekeeper Andrew Mills discusses the small hive beetle, a beekeeping pest now present in many U.S. states. Presented by Ann Arbor Backyard Beekeepers
Find out more »The Future of A2 Wild Ones
All invited to join us for a discussion about the future of Ann Arbor Wild Ones. Following the discussion, participants will gather for a tour, led by Matthaei-Nichols Director Bob Grese, of the Great Lakes Gardens at Matthaei. Presented by The Wild Ones Ann Arbor
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Building the Border-to-Border Trail
Jeff Hardcastle and Susan Faulkner of Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative share information about the trail development progress, the community partnerships that have made this happen, and an outline future plans. Presented by the Sierra Club Huron Valley
Find out more »The Birds of Pte. Mouillee
A photographic field trip to see the birds of one of Michigan’s premier birding locations. Many of Michigan’s rarer birds can be seen there in season, including American white pelicans, king rail, and others. Presented by the Washtenaw Audubon Society
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Summer Safari: Children’s Program at Matthaei
Summertime is here and we’re ready to hit the trails. Go on a guided safari and explore the trails of Matthaei. Learn about the plants and animals that call southeastern Michigan home. Make a safari notebook to take along and sketch what you find.
Find out more »July 2019
Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Catching Your Breath
A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803. Presented by MI Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Our goal is to save The World…Starting with Detroit.
A presentation by John George, founder of Detroit Blight Busters, a community-based non profit housing corporation that works with over 9000 volunteers on clean up and rebuilding projects. Presented by the Sierra Club Huron Valley
Find out more »New Age Terrarium Culture
Don't have ideal growing conditions? Think small: Ed Cott of the American Orchid Society explains the advantages of this updated growing system.. Orchid topic TBD. 1 pm orchid judging. Presented by the Ann Arbor Orchid Society
Find out more »Hosta Leaf Show and Auction
Join the group for a hosta leaf show that allows plants to be showcased by their leaves. Followed by the annual auction at 1 pm of quality donated hosta plants. Presented by the Hosta Hybridizer Group
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Things with Wings
Celebrate our winged friends! This special annual event at Matthaei includes the group Monarch Watch with live butterflies and information on monarch migration, birds of prey, and face-painting. Fun for thw whole family! Free.
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »August 2019
Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Catching Your Breath
A free monthly program for caregivers of adults with memory loss. Designed for learning skills for continued health and well-being. Info and to register: 734.936.8803. Presented by MI Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »Judging Ladyslipper Orchids
A presentation by accredited orchid judge Gordon Griffin on what to look for in judging ladyslipper orchids. 1pm orchid judging. Presented by Great Lakes Judging (Orchids)
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Find out more »TBA Sierra Club Huron Valley Event
To be announced. Presentation by the Sierra Club Huron Valley
Find out more »Nature Play Pop-Ups at Matthaei
An event every week that begins at 10:00am on Monday, repeating until August 26, 2019
Kids and parents, join us for our summer nature play pop-ups in the children’s garden. These hands-on, exploratory nature play activities an immersive experience for children ages 3-7. Look for program descriptions here on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum website and on our social media in late May. Monday mornings 10-11:30 am and second Sundays 3-4:40 pm, June-August, Gaffield Children's Garden, Matthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N. Dixboro Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48105
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