5/24/2012      54°F | Fair
The University of Michigan
Arb Parking Tip
Free street parking spaces are sometimes available on Oswego St. near the Arb's Geddes Street entrance.
Click here for a map.
what's in bloom
In spring, Matthaei and the Arb burst into life. Over 20,000 daffodils in a line emerge and bloom at the Arb The fragrance of lilacs is on the air. Woody plants show off their flowers and the peonies peak in June.
Check out the bloom calendar.
ask the experts
Question: How do I force branches for blooming indoors?
Click here to learn more.
 
2011 nichols arboretum peony festival
Winning Peony Photo 2010
Winning entry, 2010 Peony Photo Contest
Photographer: Laura Ochoa-Frongia

The Peony Garden in Nichols Arboretum is a national treasure and the largest collection of antique and heirloom peonies in North America. This year there's a lot going on during the festival. Check out our calendar of events:

  • Peonies Galore:
    Peony sale at the Arb
    Sat., June 4, 10am - 4pm. Quantities limited! We will likely sell out on Saturday and any leftovers will be sold Sun., June 5, 11am - 3pm
  • Live music: June 4, 11am - 1pm
  • Guided tours:
    Sat., June 4, 11:30am, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30pm.
    Sun., June 5, 12:30, 1:30, and 2:30pm
    Daily Guided Tours, 12-12:30pm, June 6-10
  • Scenes from Shakespeare
    Sun., June 5, 2:15pm
  • Self-guided tours available throughout the peony bloom season
  • Peony photo contest
    Click here for contest rules and times
  • Painting in the Peony Garden, sponsored by the Ann Arbor Art Center

Peony Photo Contest Rules

Contest open to all ages and experience levels.

Limit one photo per contestant.

jpeg format only; limit one photograph; 2 MB file size limit.

Contest open through June 12.
(Please call or visit our Facebook page for updates on bloom conditions.)

Email your photo to arb.peonies@gmail.com.

Include your name, address, and phone number in the email and, if possible, the name of the peony you've photographed.

Categories are first, second, and third prize, and honorable mention.

First prize photo winner will receive one 12-month individual or family membership to the Arb & Gardens, or, if winner is already a member, a twelve-month individual or family membership renewal.

All prize-level winners will have their pictures published on our website, and the first-prize winner will have his or her photo published in our July e-newsletter.

All photographs become the property of the University of Michigan Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum and may be used by us in the future for noncommercial or nonpromotional purposes.

Hide contest rules

We'll work to keep you up to date on the Peony Garden status on our Facebook page. Or call the Arb visitor center (734.647.9405) June 4–12 for real-time updates.

  • Hours & Directions:
    Nichols Arboretum is free and open seven days a week, sunrise to sunset.
    Click here for more information on hours, directions, and parking at the Arb.

To learn more about the Peony Garden, click here.

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