Who would have thought 100 years ago that a donation of peonies by Dr. We. E. Upjohn, founder of Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company in Kalamazoo, Michigan, would expand to a 27-bed garden filled with blooming flowers attracting people from all over the Midwest?
This year marks the 100th anniversary of Upjohn’s gift and our recent weather couldn’t be nicer for a visit to the peony garden.
Known for its collection of 19th and 20th century peonies, the peony garden is considered to have the largest public collection of heirloom herbaceous peonies in North America.
Many of the peonies in the garden are no longer available commercially.
Which makes the garden a must-stop for flower gardeners, especially those who love peonies.
My Experiences at the Garden
For years, I’ve visited the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden (renamed in his honor this year), marveling at the gorgeous blooms.
And watching as they renovated the gardens, moving plants, and planting more peonies.
Including tree peonies.
First time I ever visited the peony garden? Way back when I was a University of Michigan undergrad student taking one of my botany classes.
One of my favorite things to do now is taking a stroll through the garden near dusk, when there are fewer people.
Light from the sunset brings a glow to the blooming flowers.
I can never decide which kind of peony I like best. They are all stunning.
Did you know there are six different forms of peonies?
- Single
- Japanese
- Anemone
- Bomb
- Semi-double
- Full double
Wind Chimes at the Garden
This year, I noticed unique handcrafted wind chimes in each of the peony beds.
When I spoke with garden staff, I learned the chimes were created specifically for the centennial celebration by University of Michigan Music School composer-in-residence and doctoral graduate student Alexis Lamb.
From the centennial celebration page:
The chimes are all cut to the same size and ring at or around the same pitch, which creates a drone-like tone. However, the chimes are divided as either Human-Interactive or Nature-Interactive.
A special celebration ceremony was held this weekend on Saturday afternoon.
But you can enjoy the blooming flowers for the next couple weeks (assuming we don’t get intense heat).
If you’re in the southeast Michigan area (or traveling through soon), I hope you find time stop by the garden and enjoy the beautiful white, pink, and red peonies.
