An annual exhibit in its 25th year will soon open at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. From the symmetrical patterns of formal gardens tended by human hands, to the magical vision of Mother Nature, Chrysanthemums & More! offers the public a chance to view the mighty mum in various forms, starting September 15.
“This autumn, join us as we weave an autumn tapestry, both inside and out,” said Steve LaWarre, Vice President of Horticulture. “View artfully manipulated patterns of chrysanthemums and enjoy a multitude of textures provided by ornamental cabbage, kale, pumpkins, grasses, gourds—and more!”
It’s the largest exhibition of its kind in Michigan – featuring expansive displays of chrysanthemums, fall foliage and family-friendly activities – on view through October 30.
Thousands of blossoms span 158 sprawling acres, the annual exhibition aims to delight visitors, with its focus on abundant autumn plants arranged in intriguing and uncommon color combinations, a living landscape of rich textures and warm hues.
The must-see fall exhibition includes paintings displayed in the Grand Entry Garden, the Welcome Center, and the Gunberg and BISSELL Corridors, showcasing the chrysanthemum through the artistry of many designers, among them, FMG’s horticulture staff.
In the BISSELL Corridor, each week, throughout the duration of the exhibition, a different local floral designer will create a singular arrangement highlighting the chrysanthemum as its primary element. Local florists include Big City Vibes, Ball Park Floral & Gifts, Kennedy’s Flowers & Gifts, Horrocks Market, Dahlia Acres Farms and Gumina’s Flowers. Of equal note are stunning displays in the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor, and Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory, each lush and lovely.
Outdoors, visitors may venture onto the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, with its seasonal wetland views. The Lena Meijer Children’s Garden will offer a cornucopia of chrysanthemums intermingling with nontraditional autumn plantings to form a quilt-like tapestry. Heirloom vegetables, herbs, gourds and larger-than-life pumpkins will be on display at the Michigan Farm Garden, a working 1930s family farm which provides more than 40 varieties of produce for the sculpture park’s James & Shirley Balk Café.
Activities throughout the exhibition, including Tuesdays at the Farm, Glow Garden and Hallowee-Ones, are full of family fun.
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