Name of Garden:
Frederik Meijer Gardens
History:
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park opened in April 1995 after 13 years of planning and fundraising by the West Michigan Horticultural Society. In 1990, Frederik and Lena Meijer were asked for their support, and they embraced the concept of a major cultural attraction centering around horticulture and sculpture. The original vision has turned into a top cultural destination within the Midwest region, known internationally for the quality of its art and gardens.
Description:
CHILDRENS GARDEN:
At five acres, it is one of the largest Children's Gardens in the nation, and it is completely wheelchair accessible-even to the highest point of "Tree House Village". It is open all year round and is planted with plants which give four seasons of color and interest throughout the year.
ARID GARDEN:
The Arid Garden is host to a large variety of plants specially adapted to survive in some of the driest environments in the world. The wonderfully variable plant collection is divided by a stone arch. On one side, plants of the arid Americas and Australia can be found. These include large Agaves with their sharply pointed and handsomely imprinted leaves, the fuzzy torch cactus and Golden Barrel Cactus to name a few. An Adobe-style display area features rare and unusual potted cacti and succulents from these regions.
AMPHITHEATER GARDEN:
Staircases are lined with containers filled with flowering plants. The garden beds provide seasonal color to the trees at the outer edges and the sunken gardens at the refreshment courtyard. Weeping flowing trees, as well as, bold tropical exotics greet the patrons and enhance the venue.
FARM GARDEN:
The vegetable gardens and flower beds are dedicated to heirloom varieties - open pollinated types used for more than 50 years. Appearance and short shelf-life of fruits and vegetables were not important to the 1930's farm. The well-tended bounty was grown for quality in flavor and much was used fresh.
Address:
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
1000 East Beltline NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49525
(616) 957-1580 | Toll-Free: 888-957-1580
DIRECTIONS:
Click here for map
Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 9 am-5 pm
Tuesday: 9 am-9 pm
Sunday: 12-5 pm
Special butterfly exhibit hours, March-April:
9-5 pm daily
Tuesdays 9-9*
*Flashlight Tuesday Nights from 5-9 pm
Admission:
Adults (14 - 64): $12.00
Seniors (65 and older): $9.00
Students (w/ student ID): $9.00
Children (5 - 13): $6.00
Children (3 - 4): $4.00
Children (2 and younger): Free
Special group prices:
Adults (20 or more): $7.00
Schools, Scouts, etc. (10 or more):
K-12: $3.00
3-4 years old : $3.00
Teachers & Chaperones: $3.00
*Prices may change for special exhibits.
The Gardens is open 362 days a year. Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Website:
http://www.meijergardens.org/gardens_experience/ |
