Meijer Gardens celebrates autumn with chrysanthemum horticulture exhibition | Arts & Culture

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park invites you to see autumn differently by discovering “Chrysanthemums and More!” exhibition, opening to the public September 14. This exhibition, the largest of its kind in Michigan, features expansive displays of chrysanthemums and family-friendly activities. The exhibition will be on display until October 28.

“We’re using horticulture in ways we normally wouldn’t any other time of the year,” said Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture, “It’s almost like we’ll be painting using plants, and nothing gives a bolder brush of color than a chrysanthemum grouping. It’s quite extraordinary.”

Visitors will be greeted with chrysanthemums throughout the Grand Entry Garden and Cook Entry Arbor, and delighted by floral arrangements by local florists as they walk through the Commons.

Upon entering the Seasonal Display Greenhouse, a lush chrysanthemum-covered wall will instantly draw the eye. Presentations of chrysanthemum spheres, large disbuds and beds of colorful planting will complement the main focal point.

Outdoors, expansive beds of colorful chrysanthemums will be arranged in large sweeps of scarlet, burnt orange, purple and gold. Ornamental cabbage and kale will add color and texture. Yellow, the flower’s primary color, will pull a variety of visual components together.

Autumn transforms the look of the Sculpture Park as the surrounding horticultural elements provide a unique backdrop for the sculptures. Visitors can tour the grounds on a 45-minute narrated tram tour or take a leisurely stroll to discover the rich colors of fall foliage, autumn flowers, tree bark, grasses and more.

Activities, such as the Indoor Herb and Gourd Fest, Prodigious Pumpkins and Hallowee-Ones, are full of family fun throughout the exhibition. Mum Day on October 21 will give members and visitors a chance to interact with horticulture staff and learn more about the captivating chrysanthemum.

Fall harvest paints a colorful picture at Michigan’s Farm Garden through heirloom vegetables, herbs, Indian corn, gourds and large pumpkins.

The Taste of the Gardens Café will feature seasonal daily dinner specials on Tuesday evenings, with some ingredients coming from Meijer Gardens’ own Michigan’s Farm Garden.

Exhibition Programming

Tree-mendous Kids’ Tram Tours
Saturdays, September 1 – October 27, 11:15 am, 12:45 pm, 1:45 pm
Board the Kids’ Tram for an engaging experience all about trees. Travel through the Sculpture Park, visit The Groves and come away with a new understanding of Michigan trees. Hop on and off at specific stops to participate in kid-friendly activities. Fee is $3 for children, $1 for adults.

Indoor Herb and Gourd Fest
September 15-16, 10 am-5 pm
Be inspired with new ways to use herbs and see a fascinating variety of gourds. Taste delightful foods,receive cooking tips, and pose questions to the Herb Doctor. Learn to use, decorate and discover the different uses of gourds. Free with paid admission to Meijer Gardens.

Prodigious Pumpkins
October 20–21
Discover giant pumpkins on display at Michigan’s Farm Garden. Weighing in at hundreds of pounds, these pumpkins will amaze kids and adults alike. Enjoy a cooking demonstration (1:30 and 3 pm) that will highlight the versatile use of this popular fall gourd. Have fun learning interesting facts about giant pumpkins as you search the farm for answers. Free with paid admission to Meijer Gardens.

Mum Day and Fall Family Day
October 21, 1–4 pm
Join our professional horticulture staff for demonstrations, guided tours and more. Fall family fun activities in the Children’s Garden include a color-matching game, a mini-pumpkin hunt and interactive stories. Free with paid admission to Meijer Gardens.

Hallowee-Ones
October 26, 10 am–12 pm
Bring your camera and celebrate Halloween with your wee-ones. Children are invited to join in a costume parade and listen to Halloween-themed stories. No tricks, no treats, just fun! Free with paid admission to Meijer Gardens.

The “Chrysanthemums and More!” exhibition is sponsored by The Meijer Foundation and the Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.