Michigan Summer Flowers: A Guide to the Best Blooms
Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of Michigan. The state boasts a wide variety of flowers that bloom during this season, creating a stunning display of colors and scents. From wildflowers to cultivated gardens, there are plenty of options for flower enthusiasts to enjoy. In this guide, we'll take you on a tour of some of Michigan's most beautiful summer flowers.
1. Wildflowers of Michigan
Michigan is home to a diverse range of wildflowers that are in full bloom during the summer months. Some of the most popular include black-eyed Susans, lupines, and bee balm. These flowers can be found growing in meadows, along roadsides, and in forests throughout the state. Their vibrant colors and delicate petals make them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
One of the best places to see wildflowers in Michigan is at the Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, located in Hastings. This 661-acre preserve features a variety of ecosystems, including wetlands, prairies, and forests. Visitors can take a guided tour or explore on their own to see an array of wildflowers up close.
2. Mackinac Island Lilacs
The Mackinac Island Lilac Festival draws thousands of visitors each year to see the island's breathtaking display of lilacs. The festival, which takes place in early June, celebrates the 100+ varieties of lilacs that bloom on the island during this time. The fragrant flowers are a sight to behold, with shades of purple, pink, and white creating a stunning contrast against the island's blue waters.
In addition to admiring the flowers, visitors can also participate in a variety of events during the festival. These include guided tours of the island's gardens, a parade, and even a dog and pony show!
3. Matthaei Botanical Gardens
If you're looking for a more curated garden experience, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor should definitely be on your list. This 350-acre property features a wide variety of gardens, including a native plant garden, a children's garden, and a peony garden.
One of the highlights of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens is the Gateway Garden, which was designed to showcase Michigan's aquatic habitats. Visitors can see a variety of aquatic plants, including water lilies, cattails, and pickerelweed. The garden also features a series of small ponds and streams, providing a tranquil setting to enjoy the flowers.
4. Holland Tulip Festival
The Holland Tulip Festival is another must-see event for flower enthusiasts visiting Michigan. Held in early May, this festival celebrates the city's Dutch heritage with a stunning display of tulips. Over six million bulbs are planted each year, creating a colorful tapestry across the city.
In addition to admiring the flowers, visitors can also participate in a variety of events during the festival. These include parades, concerts, and even a Dutch dance competition. The festival culminates in the Volksparade, a parade featuring marching bands, floats, and costumed participants.
5. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids offers a unique blend of art and nature. The park features a variety of gardens, including Japanese, woodland, and Victorian. Visitors can also enjoy a number of sculptures throughout the park, including works by internationally renowned artists such as Auguste Rodin and Joan Miró.
One of the highlights of the Frederik Meijer Gardens is the Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. This impressive glass structure is home to a variety of exotic plants, including orchids, bromeliads, and palms. Visitors can stroll through the humid environment and marvel at the tropical beauty on display.
6. Kalamazoo Nature Center
The Kalamazoo Nature Center is a great place to explore Michigan's natural beauty. The center features a variety of trails that wind through forests, wetlands, and prairies. Along the way, visitors can see a variety of wildflowers, including coneflowers, milkweed, and goldenrod.
In addition to the trails, the Kalamazoo Nature Center also features a number of gardens. The Bird & Butterfly Garden, for example, is home to a variety of plants that attract birds and butterflies. Visitors can sit on a bench and observe these creatures up close as they flit from flower to flower.
7. Nichols Arboretum
The Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor is another great destination for flower enthusiasts. The arboretum features a variety of gardens, including a peony garden, a medicinal garden, and a native plant garden. One of the highlights of the arboretum is the Shakespeare Garden, which features plants mentioned in the playwright's works.
Visitors to the Nichols Arboretum can also hike along the Huron River, which flows through the property. During the summer months, the riverbank is lined with wildflowers, creating a picturesque scene.
8. Detroit Zoo Butterfly Garden
If you're a fan of butterflies, don't miss the Detroit Zoo Butterfly Garden. This garden features a variety of plants that attract these colorful insects, including milkweed, marigolds, and zinnias. Visitors can walk through the enclosed garden and watch as butterflies flit from flower to flower.
In addition to the butterfly garden, the Detroit Zoo also features a number of other gardens, including a perennial garden and a rain garden. Visitors can also see a variety of animals, including lions, tigers, and bears!
Michigan's summer flowers offer a dazzling display of color and scent that is not to be missed. Whether you prefer wildflowers or cultivated gardens, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So take a stroll through a local park or plan a visit to one of Michigan's many botanical gardens, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the season.
Lupines, Peonies, Black-Eyed Susans, Zinnias, Marigolds, Coneflowers, Bee Balm
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