5/24/2012      54°F | Fair
The University of Michigan
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Free street parking spaces are sometimes available on Oswego St. near the Arb's Geddes Street entrance.
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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.
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  • Photograph © Carlos Diaz

  • Photograph © Carlos Diaz

  • Photograph © Carlos Diaz

We have recently started on the construction of a permanent, dedicated bonsai and penjing garden at Matthaei. The garden will be located behind and west of the Conservatory with an entrance from the existing perennial garden. When completed the garden will be open to the public and will showcase much more of the collection than has been previously possible.

The bonsai collection began in 1977 with a gift of core specimens from the estate of Dr. Morton Seevers. Dr. Seevers was the former director of the University of Michigan Department of Pharmacology and an ardent bonsai lover. Over the years we’ve added more trees to the collection, which now includes more than 40 plants.

In 2005 the collection’s visibility was upgraded with a full-time display of three trees available for viewing in the Botanical Gardens’ conservatory. Trees from the collection are periodically rotated so that visitors may enjoy the variety of specimens, from tropical to temperate, as well as seasonal changes in the bonsai including flowering and fruiting. In addition, exceptional invitational trees from local bonsai groups and visiting bonsai and penjing artists are exhibited in special showings.


A view of the future studio and bonsai display area.

The new garden will allow us to feature many more trees than previously possible. Additionally, a working bonsai studio will be integrated into the garden. In this space professionals and volunteers will do the work of maintaining these special trees in full view of the public. This will be an exceptional educational opportunity for the public to interact with knowledgeable bonsai people.

A portion of all donated money is being set aside in an endowment to ensure that the collection will be protected, nurtured, and developed by dedicated staff as the years go by. We are reaching out to all potential supporters for financial help. Donations of any amount are needed and all will be valued. Donors giving at least $1,000 will be honored on a recognition plaque. Larger donations to the bonsai collection offer naming opportunities for the garden and its various spaces.

While the new garden is being constructed, up to three specimens are on display at any one time in the Conservatory. Visitors are encouraged to return to enjoy a rotating selection of specimens. Exceptional invitational trees from local bonsai and penjing artists are exhibited in special showings.

The Bonsai and Penjing Collection is currently displayed in the Warm Temperate House of the Conservatory at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens site.

More information can be found at:

Those committed to creating this garden would welcome hearing from you:

back to conservatory

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