Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum at the Univeristy of Michigan

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Arb Parking Tip There are often FREE street parking spaces available on Oswego St. near the Arb's Geddes Street entrance. Click here for a map.

The Gateway Garden of New World Plants and the Alexandra Hicks Herb Knot Garden at Matthaei offer sensory delights with their profusion of colors and scents.
Check out the bloom calendar.

Looking for a central location to hold a group meeting? How about catching up on some of your reading at a riverside bench? We have some of the University's best study spots.

Our historically-based shrub collection features old and new plantings that are in harmony with our local environment. Old fashioned favorites and native species create beautiful plantings without supplemental water, fertilizer or pesticides. This collection and its dramatic views are part of the original O.C. Simonds landscape plan of 1907.

Bloom begins with the old cornelian cherries (Cornus mas) in April, followed shortly by the native shadblow (Amelanchier). By May the lilacs come into bloom and perfume the air - the lilac collection is under extensive replanting. As spring progresses, the hydrangeas, spiraeas and viburnums have their season, along with many lesser-known shrubs. Fall brings a diversity of fruit that are stripped by the flocks of birds.

The Centennial Shrub Collection is at the Nichols Arboretum site.

The Stanley Smith Horticulture Trust provided funding for creating labels for the Centennial Shrub Collection. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum needs private support and offers donors many giving opportunities and recognition. For more details, please contact the Development Office at 1-734-615-9475.

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