A Mid-Winter Green Treat: Matthaei Botanical Gardens

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mbg SignHungry for green while living in a white, snow-covered world, I decided to pay a visit to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Just entering the place made me feel good. It smelled of gardens and dirt and growing things — sweet smells indeed.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens, associated with the University of Michigan, has this to say about itself on the MBG website: “Matthaei Botanical Gardens is located in northeast Ann Arbor … Here you’ll find the conservatory; gift shop; classroom and meeting spaces; display gardens such as the Gaffield Children’s Garden, Bonsai & Penjing Garden, Great Lakes Gardens, and others; and many trails and natural areas. The Botanical Gardens are free [though parking is free only to members] and open 7 days a week.”

On the day of my visit, all the outdoor gardens were covered with snow, so I focused on the Conservatory, which has three sections: the Tropical Zone, the Temperate Zone, and the Desert Zone.

The Desert Zone

mbg Century Plant BloomingThe Desert Zone is always a fascinating place. Many of its plant residents come in odd shapes designed to help them maximize water use, as well as think skins and in many cases, thorns. Their interesting flowers are fun to look at, too.

One plant in the Desert Zone was particularly noteworthy.  In 2014, Matthaei Botanical Gardens had an 80-year-old agave (commonly known as a century plant) to bloom. When it was time to bloom,  the Garden opened panes in the glass roof to let it grow as it wanted to. There, in the sunshine, it bloomed in truly grand fashion and attracted numerous bees and other nectar-seeking insects. One of the garden docents let me take a photo of her photo of the giant blooms. Now that it has fulfilled its destiny, the plant is in the process of dying. For much better pictures and the complete story, read this news story.

Here are a couple of other arid zone plants that I particularly liked.

mbg Cute Cactus

My name for this little guy is the Cute Cactus. Someone added the facial features, but doesn’t it just look like a mischievous little fellow?

mbg Living Stone plant

Other favorites include these “living stones.” The garden docent noted that children especially like these because many times they are indistinguishable from the rocks among which they live.

The Temperate Zone

mbg Frozen Rain Chain

Rain chains are as pretty in winter as they are in warmer seasons.

I did not stay in the Temperate Zone for very long, but while there, I did enjoy looking at the koi pond and studying the intricacy of several bonsai plants, at least one of which was nearly 50 years old.

I also enjoyed looking out the windows to view the snow-covered outside gardens. The rain chains encased in ice were eye-catching as well. I have often wanted a rain chain. After seeing this one, I want one even more.

The Temperate Zone is also home to several carnivorous plants that are interesting for children in particular.

The Tropical Zone

I spent most of my time in the Tropical Zone, home to some of the strangest plants you will ever see, all well-adapted to abundant moisture and constant warm temperatures. Walking around in this area of the Conservatory, you can get a little warm, but the fantastic sights make up for it. Here are a few photos of the plants I like best that demonstrate the adaptations of these plants:

mbg Banyan Roots

The aerial prop roots roots of this Indian Banyan tree have grown into thick woody trunks. According to Wikipedia, these trunks can, with age, become indistinguishable from the main trunk. Old trees can spread out laterally, using these prop roots to cover a wide area.

mbg Sausang Tree

The Sausage Tree: Has there ever been a more descriptive name for a plant that this? The giant “sausages” of this African native are actually seed pods that can weigh as much as 15 pounds.

mbg Q-tip Plant

Called the Q-Tip Plant, this plant certainly lives up to its name. The sprays of purple and white blossoms offer a great contrast to the dark green of its leaves.

mbg Lobster Claw

This is the Lobster Claw plant. It grows big  leaves similar to but narrower than a banana plant. It also puts out these strange blossoms, which can be up to three feet long, all year round.

MBG Bromeliads

This collection of bromeliads shows their amazing variety. Many of them have wide, thick leaves, with a blossom emerging from the end. Others bloom in interesting shapes.

All in all, I had a wonderful if brief respite from winter while visiting Matthaei Botanical Gardens. I ended my visit by perusing the items in the gift shop and purchasing two new books — a book about gardens for children and yet another gardening and cooking book. I also bought myself an air plant and a tiny glass bowl to hold it, along with a one-year membership the the gardens for me and my husband. Next time, my parking will be free!

Joining a Botanical Garden Offers Many Benefits

Membership in a botanical garden like this one offers many benefits. First of all, my gift is tax-deductible. Other benefits are these:

  • Free parking
  • Friends newsletter and E-news subscription
  • Previews and pre-sales
  • Special discounts on purchases
  • Over 800 acres of gardens to explore

Perhaps the best benefit of all is that I receive various benefits at over 300 gardens and arboreta nationwide through the American Horticulture Association. Visit their website for a full list of participating organizations and benefits. One or more of them may be near you.

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