On Sunday morning, hundreds of peonies at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum at the University of Michigan were damaged. About one-third of the peony plants in the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden had their flowers cut off. This happened just hours after a social media post said, "The peonies are looking great this morning." The University of Michigan's Division of Public Safety and Security is investigating the incident, as reported by Detroit Free Press.
Garden director Tony Kolenic shared a video message on the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Facebook page. He said, "These peonies are not just plants, they are living beings." Kolenic emphasized the peonies’ role in connecting visitors to the natural world for many years.
The matteih Botanical Gardens, covering more than 300 acres and including a conservatory, experienced vandalism involving damaged flowers and about 100 paper signs left behind. No group has claimed responsibility, and the message of the signs is unclear. Officials ask anyone with information to call (734) 763-1131, the confidential line at (800) 863-1355, or email [email protected]. According to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Facebook page, the garden "will bloom again" and plans to recover and prepare for the next season.
