2020 bloom celebration canceled at University of Michigan’s Nichols Arboretum peony garden

ANN ARBOR, MI — Those looking forward to seeing the spectacular display of peonies this spring at the University of Michigan's Nichols Arboretum are going to have to wait another year.

Bob Grese, director of UM's Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, is asking people to skip their annual visit because of COVID-19.

"The celebration of the annual peony bloom in the arboretum and the crowds that usually attend will not happen this year," Grese said in a news release. "All of us across the UM campuses are feeling not only the impact of the pandemic on our lives but also the disappointment of having to cancel so many events."

Even though there won't be visitors, the peonies will continue to bloom in an empty room, the release states. However, Grese noted that online content will help make up for the loss of in-person visitors to the peony garden.

"We're ramping up efforts to get a lot of peony content online, both to our dedicated peony website and to the Matthaei-Nichols website," Grese said. "We've even pushed to publish a new book with UM Press out in time for people to enjoy during the peony bloom season. The book is currently available from UM Press and will soon be available for order online from our gift shop."

The peony garden began in 1922 with a gift of peonies from Dr. W.E. Upjohn, a UM alumnus, the release states. The garden has bloomed each year since and makes up the largest collection of heirloom peonies in North America.

Nichols Arboretum has remained open throughout the coronavirus pandemic for visitors to walk, hike and enjoy nature.

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