There’s no better feeling than walking outside without needing to don a down parka. The air doesn’t sting the inside of your nose and the scent of fresh dirt wafts by as the snow melts and the wet ground is exposed. The crocuses and daffodils begin to push their way through, even though the nights might still hold frost. Within a few short weeks, we all forget about the harshness of winter as the landscape comes alive again. Spring has come.

All this activity, the changing of the seasons, also brings cause for celebration and an open invitation to explore some of Michigan’s botanical areas, indoors and out. So get that RV out of storage, or just take a day trip or two, and explore Michigan’s spring splendor.

Garden Tours
There are dozens of public and private gardens to visit across the state. A complete list of these gardens can be found at Ilovegardens.com. Some notable ones are described in more detail below:

  • Bennett Arboretum, Hines Park: A part of the Wayne County Parks system, this was the first public arboretum in the state. Historic and beautiful, this is a registered national Auto Heritage Site that features a Smartwalk Learning Trail for visitors to learn about the ecological heritage of the area.
  • Castle Gardens at Castle Farms, Charlevoix: The expansive grounds situated among castles make you feel like you’re in old-world Europe rather than Northern Michigan. However, native plants were used whenever possible in the gardens, which range from informal to formal.
  • Cooley Gardens, Lansing: A stunner for your senses, the Cooley Gardens on the campus of Michigan State University, has 800 perennials, ground cover, and bulbs – and 75 varieties of roses!
  • Five Senses Garden, Kalamazoo: One of the first gardens designed to engage the developmentally disabled this small public garden on the grounds of the Kennedy Center was designed to appeal to all five senses. It has paths, sculptures, and a raised garden, which is tended to by the clients of the Center for Disability Studies.
  • Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor: You’ll need some time to explore these botanical gardens, which features a rock garden, herb garden, rose garden, shade garden, and a Conservatory that houses 1,200 exotic plants. Take one of the nature trails and escape to nature, in the heart of Ann Arbor, Michigan.
  • Westcroft Gardens, Grosse Isle: This is the oldest family owned and operated farm in Michigan. Their specialties are azaleas and rhododendrons, with varieties planted across four acres.

Wildflowers on the Trails
After months primarily indoors, it’s refreshing to get outside and explore the woods. As though the green and thickness of the new spring leaves aren’t enough to overtake your senses, Michigan is home to 1,700 native flowering plant species, many of which can be found in the springtime. There are, however, 243 labeled as “threatened” and protected by the Endangered Species Act. Most dedicated wildlife areas and wetland preserves have marked trails and ask that hikers “take only photos, leave only footprints.” This is important to help protect these natural areas.

If you’re an amateur photographer, hone your skills along the trek. Some of the flowers you might encounter:

  • Marsh marigold
  • Woodland trillium
  • Buttercup
  • White and red clover
  • Coneflower
  • Dogwood
  • Cherry blossom
  • Elderberry
  • Ladyslipper

A complete guide is available from the Michigan DNR, downloadable as a PDF.

Festivals
The earliest floral-inspired festival is the Blossomtime Festival in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor. Taking place in late April, early May, this festive affair has been an annual event since 1906 and carries the title of “Michigan’s oldest and largest festival.” The must-see event is the Grand Floral Parade, which features more than 120 units, including colorful floats, marching bands, and the famed Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Motorcycle Drill Team.

A favorite for all ages, the annual Tulip Time Festival in Holland takes place within the first couple weeks of May. Experience the Dutch heritage and culture of the area’s early settlers. Watch traditional dancing by folks, adults and children, in wooden clogs and traditional costumes. Take a walk around Windmill Island, peruse the Art and Craft fair, and don’t miss one of the parades. There are also evening concerts and entertainment, so stick around for a while and get something to eat at one of downtown Holland’s eateries. With 4.5 million tulips of all colors and varieties, it’s a vibrant display of springtime that mirrors the joviality of the Tulip Time Festival.

The Lilac Festival celebrated on Mackinac Island in early June is a pleasure for the eyes and the nose. Mackinac Island seems to be overflowing with white and purple flowers. In fact, some of the lilac plantings are 150 years old! Added with the charm of horse-drawn carriage tours and a parade where floats are drawn by horses, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back to the Victorian Era. Of course, the 10-day festival has plenty of modern events and attractions, including a craft beer cruise on one of the ferries and the very popular 10K Run & Walk. Flower lovers will not want to miss this special occasion.

Visit a Farmer’s Market
Besides looking at flowers, take some home. Farmer’s markets around the state come alive again, and many vendors have plants available for sale that would make the perfect gift for someone special, the perfect complement to your household landscape, or add some cheer and color to the interior of an RV. You can find a farmer’s market in almost any town in Michigan, which makes it easier than ever to shop for fresh vegetables and fruits, too. For a comprehensive list, use the Find a Farmers Market search on the Michigan Farmers Market Association website.