There were four of us that went to the Meijer Garden tours. It was a rather hot day, so we decided to tour the outer gardens first, then go inside. They were planting a brand-new garden when we were there in one of the courtyards along the building as you enter. It was quite interesting watching the worker planting and pulling a few weeds as maintenance. It was in full sun, and I was surprised to see some of the plants that I have in shade being planted. It’s unfortunate that none of the group got photos of this section. Guess we were too interested in the garden design.
However, Joan and I did take photos as we began the outdoor tour and later inside.
We traveled the walkway along the pond just outside of the building.
Along the path was an orange kniphofia, Yarrow, coreopsis, lupine, and others. It also seemed to be a new garden planting that wasn’t fully established to me.
We walked along a trail path into a wooded area. There were some very interesting shaped Red Bud trees along the path. I was sure I had taken photos of these; however, they aren’t on my phone.
Along the path I found this grass. It was interesting to me because a friend recently purchased this for me. It’s Standing Ovation Little Bluestem. As it grows through the seasons, the stems turn green, pink and grayish blue. You can see some of the stems starting to become pink.
We were very interested to visit the Japanese Garden. Last time we visited Meijer Gardens it had just opened. We were curious to see how it had developed over the 5 years since our last visit. I did not get to see it last visit, so I was very interested. The above photo is from the entrance to the garden.
Along the path we took, our first viewing was this duck, enjoying the large pond area. Of course, we enjoyed the beautiful scenery offered by the garden as well.
Along the pathway, there we many rocks. One of the attendants told us that many of the rocks had sayings on them. I was so busy taking in everything that I didn’t get any photos and didn’t see very many.
We made it to the gazebo, where we were happy to sit for a spell and take in some of the beautiful trees and foliage around the area.
So very serene. Even though there were chain saws in the background.
Onto the pathway to the building again. We saw the large horse statue in the distance, many beautiful plantings of coleus, lantana and rudbeckia.
This was one of the larges rudbeckias that we’ve seen. We did ask the name and they went and found it for us. However, it seems we can’t remember it. We then headed to the Children’s Garden. We rested a bit, watching the kids play in the fountain area while cooling off.
Onto the cool indoors where we had lunch and then walked to the Arboretum. This beautiful planter was at the entry.
The entrance into the succulent area. Guess this isn’t an escape from the heat.
We then went onto the tropical garden within the Arboretum.
There were plenty of orchids to take advantage of seeing.
Next we went into the carnivorous plant area.
There were several types of pitcher plants. However, this is the one I decided to photograph.
By this time, we are all ready for the trip home. Enjoyed the day.
Monroe County Master Gardener Association 