The Gateway Garden of New World Plants presents ornamental plants originally native to South, Central, or North America. These were unknown outside of the Americas until the voyages of European explorers introduced them to the world beginning in the 1500s. Many ornamentals must have been domesticated by native peoples throughout the Americas. This garden shows both wild species and modern selections.
The Gateway Garden displays a blend of perennials and frost sensitive annuals. The annuals peak in July and August although blooming continues into October. It's an explosion of color with glorious combinations. Enjoy old -ashioned favorites such as morning glories (Ipomoea), four-o'clocks (Mirabilis), cosmos (Cosmos), flowering tobacco (Nicotiana), zinnias (Zinnia) and more. The floral diversity of the Americas coevolved with its native pollinators (honeybees are escaped domesticates and not native). Watch for the native bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and wasps as they visit the multitudes of brilliant blooms.
The Gateway Garden of New World Plants is at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens site.
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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