Double Helix display in front of the Matthaei Building.

Double Helix is named for the intertwined path and hedge, but the garden demonstrates plants that look good year round, yet require few resources in a challenging site. The path, hedge and planting beds direct visitors from the west parking lot to the main entrance of the Visitor Center.
 
Double Helix is a very subtle garden area, with many textures, shapes and colors. The fragrant viburnums bloom in May. The beautiful trunks of the trees can be seen all year - the stark tawny-white of the river birch (Betula nigra), the bold form of the European musclewood trees (Carpinus betulus) and the delicate curling of the paper bark maple (Acer griseum).

Double Helix is at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens site.

Double Helix was developed by a team of U-M Landscape Architecture students. It is one of the Gardenscapes funded by the Ford Motor Company. The Stanley Smith Horticultural Trust helped fund plant labeling and signs for this garden. Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum needs private support and provides donors with many giving opportunities and recognition. For more details, please contact the Development Office at 1-734-615-9475.

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