A devastating act of vandalism has left thousands of blooming peonies cut and destroyed at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Director Tony Kolenic described the incident as an “act of disregard for the garden and the community that cherishes it.”
The gardens, established in 1907, are known for their diverse landscapes and outdoor gardens, including a 10,000-square-foot conservatory and nearly three miles of nature trails. The vandalism came just hours after a post on Facebook announcing that many peonies were expected to bloom that weekend.
Kolenic emphasized the emotional impact of the incident, stating that the peonies are “living beings” that have been nurtured over generations to bring joy and connection to the community. The gardens have become an integral part of Ann Arbor’s natural beauty and cultural identity.
The incident has sparked outrage among garden enthusiasts, with one Facebook user commenting, “Wow. Like a gut punch out of nowhere.” The Matthaei Botanical Gardens are now facing a significant loss due to this senseless act of vandalism.
Source: https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/06/01/peonies-flowers-cut-matthei-botanical-gardens-ann-arbor/83978997007