Marty McGuire, Managing Director of Dow Gardens in Midland, thought that an organization of public garden administrators would provide an exciting opportunity to share ideas and solutions with each other and collaborate on combined efforts.  To make that a reality, Marty invited administrators from all of Michigan's public gardens to meet this month at the beautiful Dow Gardens, where the group had the opportunity to interact and become acquainted while learning about Dow's programs, gardens, and services.

It was such a successful day, and concept, that an association was formed.  The Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan is a charter member of that group.  Michigan Public Gardens will meet quarterly at different gardens.  Each meeting will include a tour and overview of that particular public garden and focus on one aspect of garden management (i.e. marketing, events, horticulture, education, etc.).  Garden administrators will bring staff from that focus area, offering the opportunity to collaborate with peers and learn from each other.  This type of mentoring will be a wonderful opportunity for BGSNM as it engages in the process of building our garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City.

A variety of display, demonstration and research gardens will be designed and planted in the core area of the garden, including landscaped beds around the historic barns themselves. The old Granary will be converted to a Visitor Center, and the stone foundation of the old Horse Barn will become a walled garden where native Michigan wildflowers will be featured. The Traverse City/Garfield Township Recreational Authority board will restore the historic barns for public events, and oversee the rest of the site. The result will be a public park that provides a wide range of opportunities and activities for regional residents and visitors alike. Tying it all together, the botanic garden will wind throughout the park – providing educational opportunities within a world of landscaped beauty.

We have an outstanding master plan, completed by an internationally-known landscape design firm. We are ready to begin work on the site. You can help, with your memberships, your donations, and your participation in our events.

Together we can BUILD THE GARDEN!