MSU's Hidden Lake Gardens

On October 29, 2007, WigglyPaw from Hastings, MI wrote:

Just want to let all know about another wonderful source of Michigan State's outreach programs. The 800 acre garden is open year round. We paid $3 per person to drive in. You can do walkies, drives, picnics,weddings; we saw senior pix being conducted. A lovely public arboretum.

Super conifer collection now with rares and mini's, a hosta collection too, large lake, kettle area from glacier, woodland gardens, speciman arboretum for big honkers, etc.

All-American planted area annuals for ideas, three domed conservatory temp, tropical and arid - all clean and pretty well taken care of. Gift shop not the greatest, they could use some help there.

Really nice bonsai collection- I was entranced by the Fagus in a dish with elephant trunk bark and glowing gold leaves.

This garden is a huge classroom for the hort and landscape students of MSU. The grounds you can tell are gone over lovingly continuously I am sure by hordes of exuberant young anxious gardeners, and it shows.

The hickory forest was particularly beautiful what with the late fall late afternoon sun streaming down through the golden leaves with dark trunks and underplanted throughout with Vinca minor.

There were a few moderate sized Fagus sylvatica 'Pendula' about, with another 50 years under their belts, then we can talk about them. I am jaded by old estate plantings of those hunks.

MSU sure does a fine job of getting out in the state in old and new ways, and I have never been turned away in any question I might have. 3 cheers for a great school in a great state.