Meijer Gardens Celebrates Autumn With Chrysanthemum Exhibition
Grand Rapids, Michigan (PRWEB) September 13, 2013 -- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is pleased to present the fall exhibition, “Chrysanthemums and More!” opening to the public September 20. This exhibition, the largest of its kind in Michigan, features expansive displays of chrysanthemums, fall foliage and family-friendly activities. The exhibition will be on display until October 27.
“The chrysanthemum is the center of this exhibition because it’s the elegant symbol of fall gardening,” said Steve LaWarre, director of horticulture, “However, the way we use and display thousands of mums at Meijer Gardens makes them truly uncommon, unconventional and really quite extraordinary. It’s a sight you won’t see anywhere else.”
Visitors will be greeted with chrysanthemums throughout the Grand Entry Garden and Cook Entry Arbor, and delighted by abundant floral arrangements as they walk through the main building.
Upon entering the Seasonal Display Greenhouse, a cascading chrysanthemum-covered wall will present itself as the main focal point. Presentations of chrysanthemum spheres, large disbuds and beds of colorful planting will complement this feature in the nearby Victorian Greenhouse.
Outdoors, expansive beds of lush chrysanthemums will be arranged in large sweeps of scarlet, purple and gold. Burnt orange, this season’s featured color, will tie all elements together and will be balanced by ornamental cabbage and kale.
Activities, such as the Fall Bonsai Show, Giant Pumpkins and Hallowee-Ones, are full of family fun throughout the exhibition. Mum Day on October 20 will give members and visitors a chance take a walking tour lead by horticulture staff, enjoy informational demonstrations and learn more about the chrysanthemum.
The Taste of the Gardens Café will feature seasonal daily dinner specials on Tuesday evenings, with some seasonal ingredients coming from Meijer Gardens’ own Michigan’s Farm Garden.
Exhibition Programming
Fall Bonsai Show
Saturday, October 5, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday, October 6, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
See a variety of bonsai, from trees in the early stages of training to lovely older trees, displayed by members from the West Michigan Bonsai Club. Shop for bonsai supplies and trees. Learn about materials and techniques used and vote for your favorite tree. This event is free to the public.
Mum Day
Sunday, October 20, 1 to 4 p.m.
Enjoy walking tours lead by the horticulture staff as well as informational demonstrations. Visit the Children’s Garden for interactive fall-themed stories, amazing autumn games and a fascinating naturalist walk. This event is included with admission to Meijer Gardens.
Giant Pumpkins at Michigan’s Farm Garden
Saturday and Sunday, October 19 and 20, 1 to 4 pm
Weighing in at hundreds of pounds, these pumpkins will amaze kids and adults alike. Enjoy a cooking demonstration (1:30 and 3 p.m.) that will highlight the versatile use of this popular fall gourd. This event is included with admission to Meijer Gardens.
Giant Tissue Paper Mums
Sunday, October 20, 1 to 4 p.m.
Make a big, eye-catching tissue paper mum to wear in your hair or pin to your shirt. Choose from an assortment of fall colors and different petal shapes. Be inspired by mums all around you as well as your own imagination. This event is included with admission to Meijer Gardens.
Hallowee-Ones
Friday, October 25, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Dress you child in costume and enjoy this special event designed for the youngest visitors. Children are invited to join in a costume parade and listen to Halloween-themed stories. This event is included with admission to Meijer Gardens.
Narrated Japanese Garden Tram Tours
Saturday and Sunday, October 26 and 27, various departure times
Take a behind-the-scenes tram tour around the Japanese Garden. These narrated, staff-led, one-hour tram tours will depart from the tram station and travel the full tram route through the Sculpture Park and around the Japanese Garden construction site. Tickets can be purchased for $3 for adults and $1 for children and are sold on a first-come, first serve basis.
The “Chrysanthemums and More!” exhibition is sponsored by The Meijer Foundation and the Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
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Images available upon request. View thumbnails here: http://bit.ly/17SLXQU.
About Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
One of the world’s most significant botanic and sculpture experiences, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park serves more than 550,000 visitors annually. Meijer Gardens was recently ranked in the top 100 most–visited art museums worldwide by “Art Newspaper,” the leading publication in global art news. The 132–acre grounds feature Michigan’s largest tropical conservatory; one of the largest children’s gardens in the country; arid and Victorian gardens with bronze sculptures by Degas and Rodin; a carnivorous plant house; outdoor gardens; and a 1900–seat outdoor amphitheater, featuring an eclectic mix of world-renowned musicians every summer. The internationally acclaimed Sculpture Park features a permanent collection including works by Rodin, Moore, Bourgeois, Serra and Plensa, among others. Indoor galleries host changing sculpture exhibitions with recent exhibitions by Picasso, Degas, di Suvero, Borofsky, Calder and Dine.
Andrea Wolschleger, Public Relations Manager, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, http://www.meijergardens.org, 616-975-3155, [email protected]
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