Vandalism Strikes University of Michigan’s Peony Garden

News Summary

The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at the University of Michigan was vandalized over the weekend, resulting in the loss of around 250 peony plants during peak bloom season. The act coincided with protests related to the Israel-Palestine conflict, with messages found on signs at the site. University officials condemned the act and emphasized the garden’s community significance. The campus community is encouraged to provide information to aid the investigation and restore peace to this cherished space.

Ann Arbor, Michigan — The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum was vandalized over the weekend of May 30 to June 1, 2025. Approximately 250 peony plants, representing about one-third of the garden’s 800 total plants, were discovered with most of their flowers cut off early Sunday morning.

The damage coincided with the peony bloom’s peak season, which had attracted many visitors to the garden for its vibrant display. Garden staff made the discovery at around 6:14 a.m., noting that the act of vandalism had occurred just before the highly anticipated bloom display. The garden is a cherished destination for both locals and tourists, drawing roughly 75,000 visitors each year.

Upon inspection of the scene, staff uncovered approximately 100 paper signs that bore messages related to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. Some phrases included sentiments like “Palestinian lives deserve to be cared for. More than these flowers.” This has led many to connect the vandalism to recent protests against the university’s investment policies in Israel.

University officials have condemned the act as one that undermines a vital community space designed for reflection and enjoyment. The university’s Division of Public Safety and Security is currently investigating the incident, but as of now, no group or individual has come forward to claim responsibility for the vandalism. This incident is seen as part of a larger pattern of civil dissent regarding the university’s fiscal policies.

The Peony Garden itself is of significant importance both botanically and culturally. It features more than 350 historical varieties of peonies that date back to the 19th and 20th centuries. Tony Kolenic, the director of the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, has expressed deep concern over the event, remarking that the peonies are “not just plants; they are living beings” that have been cultivated and cherished over generations.

Kolenic emphasized the emotional connection that the peonies foster within the community, serving not only as a visual spectacle but as a source of joy and a venue for gathering and reflection. He remains hopeful that the plants will be able to recover, as their roots have not been damaged, allowing the peonies to eventually bloom again.

The University of Michigan community has voiced its outrage over the attack, highlighting the importance of the garden as a place for solace and beauty amid the ongoing societal and political issues. As the investigation continues, the university urges those with any information related to the incident to come forward to help restore peace to this beloved garden.

This act of vandalism highlights not only the tensions surrounding local and international issues but also poses questions about the intersection of activism and community spaces. As officials work to address the situation, many will be watching closely to see how the garden recovers and how the university community reacts in the coming weeks.

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