The Botanic Garden Announces 2025 Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium

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Traverse City, MI — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park is excited to announce the return of the Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium, taking place September 25–27, 2025, in beautiful Traverse City. Now in its new fall timeframe, this multi-day event is designed for horticulture professionals, designers, and plant enthusiasts from across the Great Lakes region and beyond.

The 2025 theme—Gardening in the Midwest, Wild Designs, and Art in the Landscape—celebrates bold plant combinations, thoughtful design, and the creative use of native and ornamental species in resilient landscapes.
Day One (Thursday, September 25) kicks off at The Botanic Garden with a full day of expert-led lectures, followed by an evening of networking, dinner, and a rare plant auction.

Lecture Highlights:

  • Art in the Garden – Adriana Quiñones
  • Growing a Midwest Garden – Ed Lyon
  • Stars of the Green Screen – Brian Zimmerman & Matthew Ross
  • Designing a Wild Garden – Katrina Quint
From public horticulture to bold plant pairings and regional design strategies, these sessions offer fresh ideas for gardeners of all levels. The day wraps up with cocktails, dinner, and a lively silent and live auction of rare plants, supporting the continued growth of The Botanic Garden.

Day Two (Friday, September 26) invites attendees to explore the natural and cultivated beauty of Northwest Michigan with exclusive guided bus tour of private gardens and local natural areas.

Day Three (Saturday, September 27) offers optional post-conference experiences including a morning field botany walk with Executive Director Matthew Ross, a behind-the-scenes nursery open house with Brian Zimmerman at Four Season Nursery, and a small-group “Sail with the Speakers” sunset cruise on West Bay.
“This symposium is about more than plants—it’s about creativity, connection, and the unique character of gardening in the Great Lakes region,” said Matthew Ross, Executive Director of The Botanic Garden. “We’re excited to welcome attendees from all over to learn, be inspired, and celebrate the power of plants to shape both landscapes and communities.”

Early bird registration is open through August 25 and includes full access to lectures, garden tours, and meals. Special pricing is available for members of The Botanic Garden and the Northern Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA). VIP sponsorship tables for the dinner and auction are also available and include event passes, plant gifts, and recognition in promotional materials.

To register or learn more, visit https://thebotanicgarden.org or call (231) 935-4077.

Member Discount: Members of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park receive discounted admission to all events. Not a member yet? Join today at https://thebotanicgarden.org.
 
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The Botanic Garden is located in the heart of Traverse City on the beautiful grounds of Historic Barns Park. The Botanic Garden is a year-round sanctuary of environmental preservation, recreation, and education. Its 25 acres nurtures the soul, enlivens our history, and promotes Michigan’s natural beauty. With an emphasis on plant species native to northwest Michigan, it creates and enhances habitats for various forms of wildlife. As a place of refreshment and solace, The Botanic Garden’s unique and original design strives to inform and inspire. The Botanic Garden is located at 1490 Red Dr, Traverse City, Michigan. The Visitor Center is open seasonally April – October. To schedule a docent-led tour, please call us at (231) 935-4077. The grounds are always open! The self-guided Audio Tour is available year-round. Pick up a map in front of the Visitor Center and tour at your own pace. Or enjoy an audio tour from home. Visit us at https://thebotanicgarden.org/.

The Botanic Garden Announces 2025 Great Lakes, Great Plants Symposium