Peony Garden in Ann Arbor to celebrate 100 years in June

ANN ARBOR – The Peony Garden in University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum will soon celebrate its centennial.

The garden, established by U-M alumnus W. E. Upjohn in 1922, is North America’s largest collection of heirloom and antique peonies.

More than half of the varieties, which originated in North America, Asia and Europe, are no longer commercially available, according to U-M.

The result is breathtaking: Every year, more than 10,000 peonies peak between late-May and mid-June.

The Peony Garden Centennial Celebration will take place on June 4 from 1-3 p.m. Guests will be able to enjoy peony-inspired musical performances and remarks from the Nichols Arboretum director, U-M’s Peony Curator, members of the Upjohn family and others.

For more information and to register, click here.

Here’s the full schedule of events coming up in May and June at Nichols Arboretum and Matthaei Botanical Gardens:

• May 21–June 26: “Time in the Garden” Art Exhibit
• June 1: Historic Peony Sale
• June 1-5: American Peony Society Convention and Cut Flower Show
• June 4: 100 Years in Bloom Garden Walk hosted by Ann Arbor Farm & Garden
• June 3-5: Bonsai in Bloom Exhibit and Workshops
• June, Thursdays-Sundays: Shakespeare in the Arb ”A Midsummer Night’s Dream”
• June 26: ″Time in the Garden” Closing Reception