Seasons - Autumn 2019 {Vol. 10 Issue 4} by Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

SEASON HIGHLIGHT

WEGE ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE

Chrysanthemums & More!

Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb

Holiday Gift Show

Dr. Anurag Agrawal

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Autumn 2019 Volume 10, Issue 4

REBECCA LOUISE LAW: THE WOMB

The roof of the Covenant Learning Center was set aside for the very specific purpose of creating a unique new garden. This intentionally-dedicated space is now the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden. It is a new expression of our horticulture and sculpture-based mission and helps fulfill our brand promise of being always new. The 15,000 square foot, fully-accessible space contains several garden areas with plants thoughtfully selected for this unique environment. The prestigious Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden in Washington D.C. has loaned us four contemporary works by Alexander Calder, David Smith, Henry Moore and Marino Marini. In addition to the spectacular sculpture garden, the views over the wetlands are stunning. We remain forever grateful to the Padnos family for their generosity. The Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden is part of our Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love project. On June 4, 2019 we re-opened the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater. During the nine months from Labor Day, 2018 to Memorial Day, 2019, we tore down and recycled our old concessions building, built a new, soon-to-be LEED certified concessions and green room building, added a new sound-reflective coating to the stage area, opened the first portion of the new Frey Foundation Plaza, complete with new garden areas, and completed the second phase of our new parking lot. All these new additions and improvements were ready for the presentation of the 2019 Tuesday Evening Music Club and Fifth Third Bank Summer Concerts at Meijer Gardens series. Our architecture and engineering partners of Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects and Progressive AE, our construction partner OwenAmes-Kimball, and the many firms such as Dean’s Excavating and Burgess Concrete helped make this possible. We are especially grateful to the men and women who worked outdoors through the winter months. Now that the Welcome Center is taking shape, many members have asked about the aesthetics of the new facility. A careful look at the concessions building will give you a good idea of the look of the new building. The new Peter C. & Emajean (Pat) Cook Entryway and the new PNC Portico will start taking shape in the next few months. The Minnesota-sourced granite on the concessions building is the same granite being installed on the Welcome Center. Next time you visit, take a close look at the location of the Welcome Center. It has been intentionally located to compliment the profile of the majestic Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. When the Welcome Center is ready in 2021, both facilities will beautifully stand together, welcoming guests from around the world to explore all we have to offer. At the ground level, both buildings will be surrounded by the new Ram’s Garden, the reimagined Tassel-Wisner-Bottrall English Perennial Garden and the Frey Foundation Plaza. At the same time the expansion is happening, we continue to present all our exhibitions and programming. Rebecca Louise Law will be presenting her sculpture exhibition using dried and fresh plant material, creating art to be immersed in. Law’s exhibition is a perfect blend of the art forms Fred and Lena Meijer love, gardens and art, and which inspired our mission. The exhibition will open on September 20, 2019. You may have noticed some work taking place near our Natural Environment Area. The Natural Environment Area is approximately 200 acres of land bordered by Bradford Street to the south, Crahen Avenue to the east and Leonard Street to the north. The Kent County Road commission has created a new intersection at the corner of Leonard Street and Crahen Ave. We are also filling in some low, non-wetland spots on the property with clean soil removed as part of our Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love project. However, for the most part, this property will continue to return to a more natural state after being a golf course for many years. There are no specific plans for development of this property. However, whatever we eventually do with the property will be another exciting expression of our unique mission as given to us by Fred and Lena Meijer. Please know your membership and advocacy for Meijer Gardens is sincerely appreciated. Gratefully, David S. Hooker President and CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW

WEGE ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE

CHRYSANTHEMUMS & MORE!

METRO HEALTH CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

GARDENS AND GROWTH

HOURS Tuesday, 9 am–9 pm Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

HONORARY CHAIRMAN Frederik Meijer (1919–2011) HONORARY MEMBER Earl Holton

EARLY HOURS FOR MEMBERS Saturday, 8 am–9 am Sunday, 9 am–11 am

PRESIDENT AND CEO David Hooker

The first weekend of each month, Meijer Gardens members can take advantage of earlier open hours. The DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop, James & Shirley Balk Café and Wege Library open at regular hours.

EX OFFICIO MEMBER President of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Saralyn Coupe Ryan Anderson Debbye Turner Bell Tasha Blackmon Linda Chamberlain Jocelyn Dettloff Scott DeVecht Suzanne Eberle Joy Fossel Meg Goebel Charyn Hain Shane Hansen Todd Harvey Matthew Heynen Tamara Hibbitts Nancy Hickey Ronald Hofman Mike Jeppesen Yang Kim Jeff Lambert Gloria Lara

Tim Liang Elisa Lintemuth Jon March Janet Mason Candace Matthews Mark Miller Laina Mills Mark Mossing Hannah Naltner Bonnie Nawara Doriane Parker-Sims Jim Preston Carlos Sanchez Bill Schoonveld Joe Taber Edward VanDam Kathleen Vogelsang Maryln Walton Daniel Williams Robert Wolford

CONTACT Main 616-957-1580 Toll Free 888-957-1580

HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION

CHRYSANTHEMUMS & MORE! SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

REBECCA LOUISE LAW: THE WOMB

HORTICULTURE ESSAY

A WINDING PATH WEGE ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE

DR. ANURAG AGRAWAL EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS / CLASSES

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW PHILANTHROPY / MEMBERSHIP

HONORARY MEMBERS OF SCULPTURE COMMITTEE

MEMBER HIGHLIGHT

Miner S. and Mary Ann Keeler

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

Meijer Gardens receives funding from the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts.

METRO HEALTH CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS EVENTS / EXHIBITIONS / CLASSES

CHRYSANTHEMUMS TO CHRISTMAS

Cover: Photo by Johnny Quirin.

Autumn 2019 Volume 10, Issue 4 September 2019—November 2019

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS / ATTRACTIONS Chrysanthemums & More! SEPT 20—MAR 1, 2020, Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb SEPT 20—OCT 27,

1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 © 2019 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Seasons is published four times per year for members. Please contact membership@meijergardens.org if you prefer to receive Seasons via email. If you would like to comment on our content, please call membership at 616-977-7689. President's Letter Photo Credits (in order of appearance): Alexander Calder. Sky Hooks, c. 1962. Steel and paint, 103 x 83 x 92 inches. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, Gift of Mrs. Jerome L. Greene, 2001. Photo by Peter McDaniel.

UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS / ATTRACTIONS NOV 26—JAN 5, 2020,

Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions SEPT 20—MAR 1, 2020, Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb

David Smith. Cubi XII, 1963. Stainless steel, 109.625 x 49.25 x 32.25 inches. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, Gift of the Joseph H. Hirshhorn Foundation, 1972. Photo by Peter McDaniel. Henry Moore. Draped Reclining Figure, 1952-1953 (cast 1956). Bronze, 40.875 x 66.625 x 34.125 inches. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, Gift of Joseph H. Hirshhorn, 1966. Photo by Peter McDaniel. Marino Marini. Horse and Rider, 1952-1953. Bronze, 82.25 x 47 x 77.75 inches. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Smithsonian Institution, Washington DC, Gift of Joseph H. Hirshhorn, 1966. Photo by Peter McDaniel.

CONTENT

BOARD of DIRECTORS

@MeijerGardens #MeijerGardens MeijerGardens.org

4–5 6–7 8–9 10 11 12 – 13 14 – 15 16 - 23

Beautiful chrysanthemums in a variety of hues can be seen both indoors and out. Photo by Johnny Quirin. 4

HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: Botanic & Sculpture Societies Member Cocktail Party Wednesday, October 16, 6–8 pm This event will include cocktails and appetizers, exclusive tours, and a presentation by Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture. Come celebrate Chrysanthemums & More! with us. By invitation only.

FALL PROGRAMMING Standard Flower Show Kent Garden Club, West Michigan Flower Arranger’s Guild, and Michigan Garden Club’s District IV Saturday and Sunday, September 7-8 Saturday, 9 am–5 pm; Sunday, 11 am–5 pm FEE: Free Discover “The Magic of a Secret Garden.” See specimen flowers, foliage, potted plants and artistic flower arrangements. Watch a demonstration on how to create a lovely fall patio pot at 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday. Children will sketch their own secret gardens filled with flowers, animals and more.

Herb & Gourd Fest Midwest Michigan Herb Association and Michigan Gourd Society Saturday and Sunday, September 21-22 Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 11 am–5 pm FEE: Free Discover a variety of ways to use herbs and gourds in this annual fall event. Discover the health benefits that herbs provide, watch gourd artists at work, and purchase handmade herbal gifts and gourd art. There is even a fun art activity for kids!

Tuesdays at the Farm Tuesday, September 24 and October 1, 5–8:30 pm

FEE: Included with admission Eat, drink, and dance in the crisp autumn air. A food truck and the James & Shirley Balk Café will be serving up local fresh fare along with West Michigan beers, hot cider and an adult cocktail. Dance with local music in the barn. A great time for families, friends and anyone wanting to enjoy the fall at Meijer Gardens!

Fall Bonsai Show West Michigan Bonsai Club October 5–6, Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 11 am–5 pm FEE: Free See a variety of bonsai on display, from trees in early stages of training to lovely older trees. Watch bonsai artists at work and shop for bonsai trees as well as bonsai tools and supplies.

Fall Family Day Saturday, October 12, 1–4 pm FEE: Included with admission Visit the Children’s Garden for fall family fun. Activities include something for all your senses—listen to fall-inspired tunes and autumnthemed stories, view a fiber arts demo and create a scent-sational herb and flower journal. Create a unique nature-inspired costume to take on a hands-on naturalist walk all about the shapes of leaves.

Mum Day Sunday, October 20, 1–4 pm FEE: Included with admission Enjoy tours and demonstrations led by members of the horticulture department.

Hallowee-ones Friday, October 25, 10 am–12 pm (Parades at 10:15 and 11:15 am) FEE: Included with admission Get creative at this special event designed for our youngest visitors. Dress your child as a sculpture, mammal, fish, insect, bird, tree, flower, geologist or in any other way that highlights something about the Children’s Garden. Participate in a costume parade and listen to Halloween-themed stories. Celebrate Halloween with your wee-ones. No tricks, no treats, just fun!

CHRYSANTHEMUMS & MORE!

Friday, September 20–Sunday, October 27

Modern meets mum in this year’s annual exhibition. Come walk among our larger-than-life blooms, pendulant topiary spheres and autumn abundance as we explore the timeless art of the chrysanthemum. Nature’s canvas takes on a distinctively modern twist at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park as we usher in Chrysanthemums & More!, our annual autumn exhibition and the largest of its kind in Michigan. While we always dream up and deliver dynamic displays of fall’s best flowers and foliage, this year’s horticultural artistry is more contemporary than classic. Fresh, modern touches make for a whole new experience, indoors and out. Expect the unexpected as you explore our tailored techniques, which include intriguing groups of single hues and textures in vivid varieties like orange mums and rainbow chard, paired with equally lush squash and lime green apples. Every display has been artfully arranged to create commanding, bold patterns that beg a closer look. The heart of the exhibition is the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse, where specialty chrysanthemums take on intentionally modern forms and lines that organically flow into the Earl & Donalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor and Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory. Each week during the exhibition, local florists will return to create exclusive, one-of-akind arrangements that keep the Gunberg Corridor fresh and inviting. Outdoor displays showcase an artist’s touch, too. As you arrive, admire the chrysanthemum creations and fall foliage in the Grand Entry, then venture out into the crisp autumn air to the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, Volunteer Tribute Garden and Medallion Garden for more noteworthy plantings. Make time to take in the Michigan’s Farm Garden, where the fall harvest is in full swing. From heirloom vegetables, herbs and gourds to larger-than-life pumpkins, this family farm provides a feast for the eyes and more than 40 varieties of delicious produce, many of which are used in our James & Shirley Balk Café. Before you leave, refuel with a healthy, homegrown lunch. We promise something pleasing to every palate, including the kids. Family fun continues all season, as we welcome members and guests from far and wide to our popular Herb & Gourd Fest in September and Fall Family Day, Fall Bonsai Show and Tuesdays at the Farm in September and October. Check MeijerGardens.org/calendar for details. If you’re a chrysanthemum devotee, be sure to save the date for Mum Day on Sunday, October 20, to meet our Horticulture team as they share insights into the creation of our fascinating fall plantings. We look forward to treating you to an artful autumn. Chrysanthemums & More! is made possible by

The Meijer Foundation Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts

HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION 5

Rebecca Louise Law. Still Life, 2016. Mixed Media. Photo courtesy of Broadway Gallery, Letchworth. 6

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: Society Preview Wednesday, September 18, 6–8 pm Join us at 6 pm for appetizers and beverages followed by opening remarks from David Hooker, President & CEO. By invitation only.

Member Opening Thursday, September 19, 6–8 pm Rebecca Louise Law will be giving a lecture at 6:10 pm in the Covenant Learning Center. Refreshments will be served. Galleries open at 6:45 pm.

PROGRAMMING Exhibition programs are drop-in, and registration is not required. Please direct questions to Amber Oudsema at 616-974-5225.

Director’s Walk Tuesday, October 15, 6 pm FEE: Included with Admission

Laurene Grunwald, Director of Sculpture, Art Collections, Exhibitions and Installations Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a place where one can experience masterpieces of art and nature to delight your senses at one of the nation’s premier horticultural display gardens and sculpture parks. Join the directors of the Sculpture and Horticulture departments in exploring one of the places where this combination of nature and sculpture is emphasized—the wildflower meadow with Mark di Suvero’s sculpture, Scarlatti, right at the center.

The Secret Symbolism of Flowers Sunday, November 10, 2 pm FEE: Included with Admission

Dr. Suzanne Eberle, Professor of Art History, Kendall College of Art and Design

Art history is filled with flowers. Flowers often contain a symbolic meaning that is sometimes specific to the period of art, region, or artist from which it was created. Join Dr. Eberle as she explores the symbolism of flowers throughout art history.

The History of Environmental Art Sunday, December 8, 2 pm FEE: Included with Admission

Dr. Billie Wickre, Professor of Art History, Albion College

The Environmental Art movement began in the 1960s and early 70s as a way to appreciate nature. Over time, it has become a way for artists to address the endangering of ecosystems. Join Dr. Wickre as she highlights some important works of art in the Environmental Art movement that have been intended to evoke change in the ways in which we understand and interact with our surroundings.

REBECCA LOUISE LAW: THE WOMB

Friday, September 20, 2019—Sunday, March 1, 2020 British artist Rebecca Louise Law has always been fascinated by the natural world. The “I like to capture and daughter of the head gardener of one of treasure small, beautiful England’s National Trust properties, she grew natural objects to create up in a thatched cottage, playing in her family’s an artwork that can nursery garden and learning how to press be observed without flowers into paintings with her grandmother. the pressure of time. Law’s passion for flora continued through art Preserving, treasuring, school. After graduation, she worked for several celebrating and sharing florists and dreamt of creating art that captured the beauty of the Earth and commemorated the beauty of nature beyond with the world is what a short-lived bouquet. Her technique of hanging drives me.” flowers in a manner that allows them to be —Rebecca Louise Law preserved is now celebrated around the world. As an installation artist, Law is recognized internationally for her colossal floral works sculpted using her signature copper wire. Ever passionate about natural change, she works with fresh and dry flora, allowing it to change organically in shape, form and color over time. The process is an exquisite evolution that invites viewers to witness an alternative concept of beauty. We’re honored to have that opportunity with the upcoming exhibition Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb. Designed exclusively for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, this landmark exhibition is an intimate exploration into the relationship between humankind and nature. Dramatic and thought-provoking, it’s an immersive fantasy that emulates the sensation of being enveloped in nature’s cocoon. An incredible one million flowers and plants from Law’s existing collection will be wired by hand—and 10,000 more will be gathered from our gardens and installed, with the help of Meijer Gardens staff and volunteers. Suspended from the ceiling in undulating vines that paint the air with color, this visual spectacle will excite all the senses. Surrounding the main gallery will be never-beforeseen ceramic sculpture and painted works by the artist. Becoming part of this massive installation requires focus and intention along the defined path leading up to The Womb. The artist asks viewers to be present in the moment, without the lens of technology, by reserving picture-taking for a designated area in the gallery only. In addition to her renowned exhibitions, Law creates smaller-scale sculptures based on the womb in glass and clay, along with paintings. Her noteworthy larger-scale commissions include The Beauty of Decay at The Chandran Gallery in San Francisco, Life in Death at The Shirley Sherwood Gallery in London and The Grecian Goddess at The Onassis Cultural Centre in Athens. Her prolific career is also the subject of Life in Death, a 2017 book published by the Royal Botanic Gardens. The evening before the exhibition opens, Law will give an exclusive, members-only lecture that offers an insightful look into her artistry and the creation of The Womb. Don’t miss it.

Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb is made possible by

Media Sponsor

The Meijer Foundation

Townsquare Media

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation

Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts

SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

A WINDING PATH It’s difficult to imagine the contrast between what can be experienced at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park today, and what would have been experienced when Meijer Gardens opened in April of 1995. Starting out at just over 70 acres, Meijer Gardens has grown, driven by a complementary formula of art and horticulture, mixed with a commitment to education and guest experience. What was once a mix of abandoned orchard, rolling pasture, woods and wetlands has grown and transformed to now encompass 158 acres of diverse gardens and natural spaces. That transformation continues. This spring saw the opening of the Stuart and Barbara Padnos Rooftop Sculpture Garden, and new garden spaces will continue to be reimagined, planted and unveiled as the historic Welcoming the World: Honoring a Legacy of Love campaign continues to unfold. In the last 24 years, the growth and change at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park has been, and will continue to be, a winding path of change. These transformative changes can be immediately apparent in the opening of a new garden. Other times these changes have happened slowly, being almost unperceived in the short term. The maturing of a tree, the filling-in of a hedgerow, or the deepening shade of a wooded space happen when a garden ages and matures over time. The Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden is one of these very places. The beautiful and resilient plants and animals found in the woodland understory of Michigan inspired Gwen Frostic, and this garden honors her love of nature. A Michigan native, Gwen Frostic was an author, lecturer and artist whose gift made the Woodland Shade Garden possible. She was a lover of indigenous plants and animals and wanted the garden to look a little wild. Gwen was present at the opening of the Woodland Shade Garden on June 23, 1998.

HORTICULTURE ESSAY

The Woodland Shade Garden is just around the corner, just down the path, just out of the way enough to surprise those that come upon it. It’s a place that offers a bit of solitude and a bit of shade. It sounds different and smells different. A winding path meanders through a mixed tapestry of trees, some of which are the oldest on the property. American beech, sugar maple, and shagbark hickory are just a few to be experienced here, and the nuts and seeds are consistently enjoyed by wildlife. Curved trunks, overarching branches, and moss-covered logs punctuate the garden plantings. Dappled sunlight, the sounds of birds and the wind in the canopy slows the pace here. The layered plantings in the Woodland Shade Garden include native perennials as well as shade-loving plants from around the world. Rhododendrons, azaleas, redbud, foam flower, bloodroot, Jack-in-the-pulpit, wild ginger and wood asters are just a few of the plants you’ll find here, along with abundant ferns and waves of hosta. Seldom are lines straight in nature, so the garden ambles along a winding path with curving, organic lines. Benches offer a place to rest and appreciate the diversity of the space. Autumn is a brilliant time of year that enhances the Woodland Shade Garden experience. There is a magic in the changing of seasons that reveals itself here with a crescendo of color, texture, and fragrance, speaking in tones of red, purple and gold. Fall in this garden is bright, clear, and evident, with a richness in the detail. It’s the ripening of seeds and the crunch of leaves. The experience at Meijer Gardens is consistent in its change. Always Growing, Always Beautiful, Always New. The Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden offers a different perspective on this change. It’s slow in the moment, persistent and impactful over time. It’s a winding path with a destination that invites sampling again and again. Essay by Steve LaWarre, Director of Horticulture

A sugar maple located in the Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden in autumn. Photo by William J. Herbert.

HORTICULTURE ESSAY

Dr. Anurag Agrawal. Photo by Dave Burbank.

MONARCHS, MILKWEED AND MIGRATION We are pleased to present Monarchs, Milkweed and Migration as Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park’s 2019 Wege Environmental Lecture. Dr. Anurag Agrawal is a scientist, naturalist, author and monarch butterfly expert. His passion for nature was cultivated by a childhood exploring and playing outdoors and observing his mother’s gardens near his family home in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He is now a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Department of Entomology at Cornell University. Dr. Agrawal’s eloquent and important book, Monarchs and Milkweed, was the winner of the 2017 National Outdoor Book Award for Nature and the Environment. Dr. Agrawal’s research as a scientist has been broad—embracing chemical ecology, quantitative genetics, phylogenetic analyses, community dynamics, and more. However, Monarchs and Milkweed is no dry scientific text. With a talent for communicating complex scientific information in a way that is clear and compelling, Dr. Agrawal weaves a rich narrative that invites even the nonscientists among us to understand and engage in the history of monarch butterflies, the hidden lives of these familiar, fascinating insects, and their prospects for the future. Illustrations, photographs, excerpts from poems, and lush, literary descriptions

The Master Lecture Series WEGE ENVIRONMENTAL LECTURE Tuesday, September 24 at 7 pm Speaker: Dr. Anurag Agrawal

MASTER LECTURE SERIES

co-mingle gracefully with science. In describing the experience of researching monarchs at their overwintering grounds in the mountains of Mexico, Dr. Agrawal writes: “When they fly from their roosting trees, the whoosh of enumerable butterflies flapping feels like the gentlest touch of a feather. Their bodies are like glitter in a snow globe.” Whether you are a scientist, a dedicated monarch butterfly ally, a nature lover, or just a person who enjoys a good story as told by a gifted storyteller, please join us on September 24 for what promises to be an unforgettable evening with Dr. Anurag Agrawal. Through striking visual imagery and fascinating stories, Dr. Agrawal will explore the natural history of monarchs and milkweed, revealing the coevolutionary battle between monarch caterpillars and milkweed’s famous toxins. He will discuss the current predicament of monarch declines and conservation efforts. The talk requires no scientific background, but will convey the latest research results, and provide a survey of current issues, in monarch conservation. Q&A and discussion of issues, including the fall migration, the history of science, and citizen science will follow the lecture. Dr. Agrawal’s book, Monarchs and Milkweed, will be available for sale and signing. FEE: Free for members, general admission for non-members. Registration required at MeijerGardens.org/calendar. Please direct registration questions to Shelly Kilroy at skilroy@meijergardens.org or call 616-975-3144. Captioning service will be provided. This lecture is made possible by The Wege Foundation.

Photo by Erin Zacek.

HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW

Saturday, November 2, 9 am–5 pm Members and public welcome. Free admission to show. Members receive a 10% discount when presenting their membership cards.

It’s the must-shop event of the season and it happens one day only, and only at Meijer Gardens. This year’s Holiday Gift Show Make your list and check it twice as you prepare has something for everyone on your list, so come early and for the annual Holiday Gift Show at Frederik make a day of it. Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Save the date This season’s curated lineup includes more than 30 local for this one-day-only shopping extravaganza of and regional artists, craftsmen, authors, and vendors chosen perennial favorites and intriguing new artisans. for their limited-edition home décor, gardening gear, jewelry, books, music, toys, culinary wares, eats and wines. There are new selections to choose from every year and exciting new vendors like Carruth Studio, whose unique, original sculptures breathe life into your home or garden. Back by popular demand are Creations by Debbie artisan jewelry, Annabelle Noel Designs for the home and garden and Joy Susan vegan leather handbags. Authors will be on hand to sign books and foodies can feast on our tempting selection of edible gifts, from cookies and candies to bottled wine and wine accessories. Plan to stay for our afternoon wine tastings and the opportunity to mingle with wine connoisseurs. To give your gift that little something extra, we offer complimentary gift-wrapping in the Covenant Learning Center. You may even go home with one of our giftable giveaways. You need not be present to win, so make sure to enter when you arrive at the show. After you shop, refuel at the James & Shirley Balk Café with delicious eats and treats under a stunning ceiling sculpture by renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. Even our social media is getting in the holiday spirit. In the weeks leading up to the show, follow @MeijerGardens on Facebook and Instagram for the chance to win one of four $25 gift certificates redeemable at the Holiday Gift Show. To enter, just post your favorite photograph taken at Meijer Gardens with the hashtag #MeijerGardens. Winners will be announced the last week of October. The Holiday Gift Show is free to everyone—the more, the merrier! More shoppers join us every year, so come early for the best selection of gifts and parking spots. As always, members of Meijer Gardens enjoy a 10% discount on their purchases. We look forward to seeing you on November 2. HOLIDAY GIFT SHOW

MEMBER PROFILE Liz Fischer As a family with three children under four years old, Colin and I are so thankful for our Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park membership. I stay at home with our kids and we regularly take advantage of what Meijer Gardens has to offer. It’s a perfect place to get us out of the house on the weekdays or enjoy time as a family on the weekends or vacations. I even go to Meijer Gardens to meet up with friends, kid-free. There are countless ways for us to enjoy Meijer Gardens. Of course, we can’t get enough of the butterflies in the spring. In the summer, we play in the Children’s Garden on the water tables and in the sand. When the weather is nice, my children cruise the boardwalk to spot all the frogs and wetland animals. In the fall we go to see the pumpkins and the Farm Garden. In the winter, my children are mesmerized by the train and the many Christmas trees. They could chase the train around for hours! Year-round, my children love exploring the flowers and plants. It has taken us 30 minutes to get into Meijer Gardens because my kids wanted to stop and see every flower on the pedestrian walk. We always make it to the conservatory to check out the beautiful flowers, waterfalls, plants and look for birds. The children’s room is the perfect place for my kids to interact with others and burn off some energy with large motor activities. The art galleries are beautiful and large enough for us to push a stroller through. Meijer Gardens makes it easy to introduce my children to the visual arts and all its forms. At the end of our trip to Meijer Gardens, my kids are so excited to pick up a snack or a cookie in the cafe, while I am excited to enjoy a coffee. We also really enjoy the special events like the Animal Adventures visit, Hallowee-ones, Tuesdays at the Farm in the fall, the Christmas parties and reindeer visits in the winter. In the summer, I have all the Children’s Garden events marked on my calendar! Lately, the expansion has been a main attraction— my kids love seeing what the workers are doing and how the big trucks work and move. My husband and I often talk about how we love having a membership because some days the kids can only handle 30 minutes, and it’s fine. Then the next time, we may stay for a couple hours and have a meal. Each year, it is an easy decision to renew our membership to Meijer Gardens. It makes my life as a stay-at-home mom easier, and encourages my children to learn, explore, and discover nature and art. My family uses Meijer Gardens to play, spend time together, meet with friends, and as a place to enjoy a kidfree date. Our family loves Meijer Gardens inside and out and in all seasons! 12

PHILANTHROPY/MEMBERSHIP

The Fischer family enjoying the Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Greenhouse. Photo by Kirstin Volkening.

Photo by Tony Norkus.

A TRUE TEAM EFFORT Guests of the 2019 Great Gardens Party were treated to a colorful and creative centerpiece that incorporated the event theme: How Does Your Garden Grow? When the planning team met to brainstorm ideas, one wild thought came up: What if we could make the dessert grow? The way this idea came to life is a true testament to the power of collaboration and teamwork. Wooden boxes were hand-crafted by the Maintenance Department from locally sourced lumber. Horticulturalists on staff researched and ordered the flowers and supplies. The Communications Department designed table signage to incorporate elements of the event theme and color scheme. Members of the Culinary Team conceptualized new recipes for mini-desserts and meticulously prepared and decorated their creations. A dedicated group of special events volunteers came together to assemble the boxes. These collective minds and hands worked hard to give guests a final product that was a treat to both the eyes and the taste buds. This year’s Great Gardens Party generated more than $260,000 in net proceeds to directly support the mission of Meijer Gardens. Please join us next year for the Great Gardens Party on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, to see what new ideas come to life through the collaborative efforts of the Meijer Gardens team.

WHY A MEIJER GARDENS TRIBUTE?

SAVE THE DATE: CHRISTMAS CABARET

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park can help you honor important people, milestones, and life events with a broad selection of unique tribute opportunities. From library book tributes at the Wege Library, to tree and bench tributes in various locations throughout our beautiful, 158-acre main campus, we can support you in creating a tribute that is distinctive and memorable, as well as personalized for the person or event you are honoring. Celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, and friendships, as well as remembrances of loved ones all have a special place here. Tribute donations of all kinds are reflected in Seasons on a quarterly basis. Tribute Donation: One way to honor or remember a special person, family, or life event, is to offer a donation to Meijer Gardens. A personal acknowledgment is sent to the family or individual being honored, without reference to the size of the gift. Tribute Library Book: Books educate and inspire. Work with our librarian to make a book selection which will contain a nameplate with the wording of your choice. Library bookplate: $250 Tribute Tree: Trees are natural, living tributes. Select from an extensive and diverse list of healthy trees. A bronze sign with your choice of wording will stand near your tribute tree. Meijer Gardens Main Campus: $2,500 Tribute Bench: Benches provide a place for rest and reflection. Choose your bench site from among a variety of locations such as The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden, or the Sculpture Park. A bronze plaque with your choice of wording will be affixed to your bench. Meijer Gardens Main Campus: $15,000 The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden: $20,000

There is no better event to truly feel the spirit of the season than Meijer Gardens’ signature holiday gala: Christmas Cabaret! Please note that this year the Cabaret is moving to Wednesday night. Join us on Wednesday, December 4, at 6 pm. More details and ticket information will be coming soon to the calendar at MeijerGardens.org.

Please email or call a representative of the Tribute Gift Program at tributes@meijergardens.org or (616) 975-3143 with questions. We’re here to help!

QUARTERLY TRIBUTES The following tribute gifts were received between April 1 and June 30, 2019. Those honored or memorialized are shown in bold type, while the donors are in regular type.

IN HONOR Robert & Diane Hall Richard & Susan Ilka Win & Kyle Irwin Barbara Keller Dale & Cindy Edgerle Donald Kelley & DJ & Barb Edgerle Ann Avery-Kelley Bernetes Hillebrand’s Ronald Laferriere & 100th Birthday Nancy Johnson-Laferriere Kimberly Hillebrand John & Mary Lange Bonnie Linehan Kathy Kohley William & Janis Malpass Don & Sandy Williams Susan McCarthy Lena Meijer's th Jan McKinnon 100 Birthday Robert & Sandra Muraski George & Glenda Rader J. Lee and Susan Murphy Aunt Lena’s 100th Birthday Christopher & James & Jeanne Kretzmann Molly Nawrocki Jeffrey and Erin Needham The Spetoskey Family John & Ellen Osterhart Jane Spetoskey Valerie & Richard Peacock Nikki Wyble The Pyle Foundation Lou & Sue Robach Nicole Ratinaud Geraldine C. Zech Michael & Elizabeth Redman James Zech Alwyn & Christine Rougier-Chapman Kimberly Rossi Wendy Sampson Norma Baars Valerie Taylor Gloria Yff Linda Thompson Joel Boland Dean & Nancy Ward Raymond & Kathryn Alder Roland and Paula Anita Carter Wilkerson Irene Chaldaris Michael K. Bracey Elizabeth Crouch Thomas & Kay Vestergaard Andrew & Pamela Daugavietis Glenn Byers Heidi Deaver Anonymous Linda Demock Bobbie Clem Patrick Gregory Fox Tamara Youngs Susan Grant Joseph and Lisa Becherer Dana Friis-Hansen & Mark Holzbach

IN MEMORY

THE GIFT OF MEMBERSHIP Searching for the perfect gift? Consider a Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park annual membership—we promise something for everyone, all year long! Gift memberships purchased by December 6 will be mailed by December 13. You can purchase new gift memberships online at www.MeijerGardens.org/membership/ or over the phone at 616-977-7689.

Jim Fleser Bud Cheney Norman Gross Lois Gross Clifford A. Larson Lawrence Larson Lois Larson Mike and JoAnne Holton Bill Pietri Rosemary Anderson Emily Brown Dean Lake Association Lydia & Paul Murray Ellen Spangler Ruth Postema Anonymous Bob Rosendahl Ruth & Harold Blaauw Jennie Scholten Alma Oostindie Emmett Lucas Smith Kelly & Kurt Keiffer Mona J. Thiel Diane Moormann Jeane Swart Christy Bergsma Lois Manett Patricia Zenk Vorel Gordon Zenk Troy A. Wiegand Robert & Carol Wiegand Zigfrids Zadvinskis M.D. Janis Vanderkooy

PHILANTHROPY/MEMBERSHIP

The Railway Garden brings joy to many during the Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition. Photo by Peter McDanial.

ANNUAL EXHIBITION

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS: Christmas Cabaret Wednesday, December 4, 6–10 pm

Member Holiday Parties Party with Tree Lighting Ceremony, November 25, 6–8 pm Family Parties with Santa and Mrs. Claus December 1, 8, 15 & 16, 6–8 pm Adult Party (18 and over) with cash bar December 2, 7–9 pm RSVP online at bit.ly/FMGHoliday19, rsvp@meijergardens.org, or call 616-974-5222.

EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS Entire facility is open until 9 pm December 17—21, 23, 26–28, and 30 PLEASE NOTE: Meijer Gardens is CLOSED on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Santa Visits Tuesdays, November 26, December 3, 10 and 17, 5–8 pm The Original Dickens Carolers Tuesdays, November 26, December 3, 10 and 17, 6–8 pm Rooftop Reindeer Saturdays, November 30, December 7, 14, and 21, 1–4 pm Winter-Time Walks December 3, 2019–January 4, 2020 Preschoolers: Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11:15 am Family and Friends: Saturdays, 11:15 am Fee: Included with admission Winter in the Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun! Bundle up and join us on an outdoor interactive discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways. Then gather together to participate in an interactive story time with games, finger plays, songs and more.

Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions is made possible by

The Meijer Foundation Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Botanic and Sculpture Societies of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts Railway Garden is sponsored by

METRO HEALTH CHRISTMAS & HOLIDAY TRADITIONS Tuesday, November 26, 2019–Sunday, January 5, 2020

Wintertime and its cherished holiday season are steeped in symbolism. Join us for an insider’s look at the iconic symbols that make this the most treasured time of year, here in West Michigan and around the world.

What signs usher in the holiday season for you? We hope your list includes a visit to the Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This year marks the 25th anniversary of our most beloved exhibition, and we’re celebrating the quarter-century milestone with a look at the symbols that signify the season. This hallmark exhibition began with Lena Meijer in 1995. She created those first 20 displays with the help of family and friends. The exhibition has grown to an incredible 42 displays spanning 27 exquisitely adorned Christmas trees, 15 cultural displays and an enchanting Railway Garden, all nestled among magnificent winter plantings and the magic of more than 300,000 lights. As you wander our winter wonderland, note the curated collections of symbols expressed throughout the world’s time-honored holiday traditions. Look for wreaths made of evergreen, whose bountiful branches signify growth and everlasting life. Even the circular shape of the wreath represents eternity, as it has no beginning and no end. Olive wood and birds symbolize peace. Notice winter birds gathering at the feeders outside or the inside carvings in olive wood showcased in the Middle East display. Plants represent life, resilience and strength. During the holidays, Vietnamese families hold certain flowering plants like chrysanthemums, lotus, peonies and roses in high regard, calling them “noble” and proudly displaying their blossoms throughout their homes. Kadomatsu, or gate pine, are traditional decorations placed at the entrances of homes and businesses in anticipation of the Japanese New Year. Typically, they are made with two main components and each element is significant. Pine signifies vitality and long life. Bamboo symbolizes strength and growth. Light is rich in meaning too. Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is an annual Hindu holiday celebrated in India. The true meaning behind Diwali is to rejoice in the inner light. The inner light is symbolized by lighting a small brass lamp called a diya. Lighting a diya is considered highly favorable, as it brings prosperity and good health. Moons and stars are also commonly found in holiday celebrations. A moon represents the lunar calendar, with the first sighting of the crescent new moon marking Eid ul-Fitr, the Muslim Festival of fast-breaking and the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Stars represent the star of Bethlehem that guided the Magi to baby Jesus and take several shapes in holiday displays, topping Christmas trees and as the parol, a starshaped lantern unique to the Philippines. As you plan your visit, consider joining us for holiday-themed classes and special events like the annual Christmas tree lighting on Monday, November 25 or one of our additional Member Holiday Parties on December 1, 8, 15 and 16. The kids will love seeing Santa and the Dickens Carolers on Tuesday, November 26, December 3, 10 and 17, or spending an afternoon with Santa’s reindeer on Saturday, November 30 and December 7, 14 and 21. An adult party will take place on December 2 with a cash bar. Please watch the award winning film joy, highlighting several locally celebrated traditions from centuries ago, still vital today. Joy is showing continuously in the Hoffman Family Auditorium. We look forward to celebrating the season and all of its symbolism with you. ANNUAL EXHIBITION

EVENTS

HOURS Tuesday, 9 am–9 pm Monday–Saturday, 9 am–5 pm Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

CONTACT Main 616-957-1580 Toll free 888-957-1580 MeijerGardens.org

September 21–22, Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

HERB & GOURD FEST

MIDWEST MICHIGAN HERB ASSOCIATION AND MICHIGAN GOURD SOCIETY

Photo by Erin Zacek.

PLANT SHOWS August 31 and September 1 Saturday 12—5 pm, Sunday 11 am—4 pm

NATIONAL DAHLIA SHOW

FEE: Free Discover a variety of ways to use herbs and gourds in this annual fall event. A variety of culinary herbs will be featured including anise hyssop, the 2019 “Herb of the Year.” Discover the health benefits that herbs provide and experience their wonderful fragrance. Featured activities include making your own tea bag, learning about how to grow and use herbs, and discovering their healthful properties. Kids can participate in a fun art activity with herbs and make a paper pot for growing herb seeds. Handmade herbal gifts will be available to purchase. In addition, Michigan Gourd Society members will display gourds, tools and supplies. Watch gourd artists at work, demonstrating how to create gourd art using locally available supplies. Visit the touchable gourds section and try playing a gourd instrument. Purchase decorated gourds or buy an unfinished gourd and create your own art at home.

WEST MICHIGAN DAHLIA SOCIETY

FEE: Free Stroll through the Grand Room filled with thousands of stunning blooms, entered by dahlia aficionados from throughout the country. Be amazed by flowers the size of dinner plates and discover the huge variety of flower colors and forms available, including pompons, cactus forms, anemone and waterlily types. View lovely floral arrangements and chat with Dahlia Society members who will be glad to answer your questions. Attend a free talk on Saturday at 4 pm to learn how to grow this beautiful flower and discover why the National Garden Bureau named 2019 the "Year of the Dahlia."

Photo by Dean Van Dis.

October 5–6 Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, 11 am–5 pm

FALL BONSAI SHOW

WEST MICHIGAN BONSAI CLUB

Photo by Erin Zacek.

FEE: Free 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. Watch bonsai artists at work during ongoing demonstrations and vote for your favorite tree. Shop for bonsai trees, specialty tools, unique pots, wire and more.

September 7–8 Saturday 9 am—5 pm, Sunday 11 am—5 pm

STANDARD FLOWER SHOW KENT GARDEN CLUB

FEE: Free Discover “The Magic of a Secret Garden,” the theme for this year’s flower show, presented by Kent Garden Club in partnership with the West Michigan Flower Arranger’s Guild and Michigan Garden Club’s District IV. See specimen flowers, foliage, and potted plants grown by participating members. View artistic flower arrangements and vote for your favorite. Watch a demonstration on how to create a lovely fall patio pot at 11 am and 2 pm on Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday. Children will use their imaginations and sketch their own secret gardens filled with flowers, animals and more. 16

EVENTS

QUARTERLY BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP September 24 Tuesday, 1–2:30 pm

READ & EXPLORE: ART AND GARDENS BOOK GROUP

FEE: Included with admission This fall we will discuss the inspiring true story of Emma Gatewood, the 67-year-old grandmother who in 1955 hiked the Appalachian Trail—the first woman to hike the trail alone. Grandma Gatewood’s Walk: The Inspiring Story of the Woman Who Saved the Appalachian Trail, by Ben Montgomery tells the story of this pioneering woman who became a hiking celebrity and brought attention to the poor trail conditions of the then nearly 30-year-old trail, saving it from possible demise. As part of our afternoon we will hear about hiking experiences from guest presenters who have hiked long-distance trails, including the nearby North Country Trail. Limited to 20 adults. RSVP to 616-975-3144 or skilroy@meijergardens.org.

EVENTS THE RICHARD & HELEN DeVOS JAPANESE GARDEN

LENA MEIJER CHILDREN’S GARDEN

SUNDAYS: September 15, October 20, 1–4 pm, Weather Permitting

FEE: Included with admission Join us for fun, fall-inspired interactive stories like We're Going on a Leaf Hunt, Fall is not Easy, Jaime Planted an Acorn, and The Busy Little Squirrel. Experience how awesome autumn is in the Children’s Garden!

INSIDE THE JAPANESE TEAHOUSE

FEE: Included with admission Experience the tranquil ambience and exquisite architecture of our authentic Japanese Teahouse. Take special note of the master carpentry, contrasting woods, patterns and textures and numerous distinctive details. This opportunity is included with admission on a first-come, first-served basis. Guests will be asked to remove their shoes before entering the teahouse.

MICHIGAN’S FARM GARDEN

September 3–October 30 Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11:15 am

“FALL”-INSPIRED STORYTIME

Saturday, October 12 1–4 pm

FALL FAMILY DAY

FEE: Included with admission Visit the Children’s Garden for fabulous fall family fun. Activities include something for all your senses—listen to fall-inspired tunes and autumn-themed stories, view a fiber arts demo and make a scent-sational herb and flower journal. Create a unique nature-inspired costume to take on a hands-on naturalist walk all about the shapes of leaves.

Friday, October 25 10 am–12 pm (Parade at 10:15 and 11:15 am)

Friday, November 29 10 am–12 pm

"WEE" ARE THANKFUL!

FEE: Included with admission Join us for an event filled with Thanksgiving activities designed for your wee-one. Participate in a harvest hunt, listen to stories all about thankfulness and sharing, and create a clever craft that highlights the season. Join us in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden to celebrate the meaning of thankfulness together!

HALLOWEE-ONES

Saturday and Sunday, September 21–22, 1–4 pm

FEE: Included with admission Get creative at this special event designed for our youngest visitors. Dress your child as a sculpture, mammal, fish, insect, bird, tree, flower, geologist or in any other way that highlights something about the Children’s Garden. Participate in a costume parade and listen to Halloween-themed stories. Celebrate Halloween with your wee-ones. No tricks, no treats, just fun!

HARVEST TIME

FEE: Included with admission Gather up your family and friends and join us for Harvest Time at the Farm Garden. Participate in harvest games such as “Where on the Farm?” or “Which Vine is Mine?” or use your imagination at the Produce Stand, buying and selling realistic-looking produce. Listen to kid-friendly harvest stories, music and more. Harvest Time is fun time at the Farm Garden!

2019 LOESCHNER ART COMPETITION

Photo by Erin Zacek.

The annual Ray and Nancy Loeschner Art Competition is open to artists working in a twodimensional format including photography. For applications and further information, please visit MeijerGardens.org/award. Online and mailed submissions will be accepted. Deadline is Friday, October 25, 2019.

December 3, 2019— January 4, 2020 Preschoolers: Tuesdays and Wednesdays; 11:15 am Family and Friends: Saturdays; 11:15 am

WINTER-TIME WALKS

FEE: Included with admission Winter in the Children’s Garden can be chilly, but fun! Bundle up and join us on an outdoor interactive discovery walk to investigate the Children’s Garden in new ways. Then gather together to participate in an interactive storytime with games, finger plays, songs and more. EVENTS

EVENTS

FALL BUS TRIPS

Glass blowing demonstration at the Toledo Museum of Art.

Thursday, September 19 7 am—9:30 pm

Thursday, October 10 8:30 am–7:30 pm

A DAY AT THE TOLEDO MUSEUM OF ART AND GLASS BLOWING DEMONSTRATION

A NEW PERSPECTIVE OF FLINT: ART, GARDENS, AND GREAT FOOD

FEE: $150 members, $170 non-members Join us for a day of discovery at the Toledo Museum of Art. Founded in 1901, the museum offers an impressive collection of works including celebrated artists such as Cézanne, Degas, Monet, Picasso, and Rembrandt, among others, ranking it among the finest museums in the United States. Our trip starts with a docent-led highlights tour of the museum’s 30,000 holdings, including sculpture, paintings and works on paper. After our tour, take a break in one of the museum’s private rooms and enjoy the company of your fellow travelers and your choice of a gourmet boxed lunch. Spend some time on your own before we stroll over to the Glass Pavilion, an architectural gem with its interior and exterior curved glass walls, to view the extensive collection of glass. Be amazed by a live glass blowing demonstration in the museum’s “Hot Shop,” learn how Toledo was once a center of glass production, and discover the museum’s continued commitment to artwork in glass through education and display. The return trip takes us to the charming Kerrytown neighborhood of Ann Arbor where we will dine at the historical and five-star rated Gandy Dancer Restaurant. Known for its creative preparations of seafood and steak, this architectural landmark served as the Michigan Central Railway Depot starting in 1886. This Chuck Muer-owned restaurant was once a stopping point for presidents John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon, among others, who addressed the crowds that rallied outside this depot. The fee includes transportation, docentled tour, boxed lunch, glass blowing demonstration, dinner and all gratuities. Expect a fair amount of walking, standing and stairs. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Withdraw from a class at least 30 days in advance, a refund is issued minus a $5 processing fee. Withdraw 7 to 29 days in advance and receive a 50% refund. Less than 7 days, no refund. Call 616-975-3147 for class cancellations due to severe weather. 18

Rose garden entrance at Applewood Estate.

EVENTS

FEE: $100 members, $120 non-members Join us for an inspiring day of fine art, fabulous food, and fantastic gardens in Flint! Discover Applewood, the Charles Stewart Mott estate, with a guided house tour and a tour of the grounds. Charles Stewart Mott built Applewood in 1916 as a family home and gentleman’s farm. Today, it’s a vital community resource open to all from May through October. In addition to an elegant home with an attached greenhouse, the 34-acre estate includes an apple orchard with 29 heirloom varieties, extensive gardens, a gatehouse, barn, and chicken coop. In 2016, Applewood celebrated it’s 100-year anniversary with expanded opportunities to learn, share, and grow. Applewood Estate is a Michigan Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Sites. Enjoy a locally sourced seasonal lunch at one of Flint’s fine dining establishments. Located in the revitalized downtown area, Cork on Saginaw has won awards for Best Fine Dining, Best Service, and Best Wine List from My City and 2016 Restaurant of the Year Award from the Flint & Genesee Chamber of Commerce. The menu includes eclectic American and European plates. Finally, explore Flint Institute of Art with a guided tour through the state’s second largest art museum and one of the largest museum art schools in the nation. This organization’s large collection includes art from the United States, Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia. Gain a new perspective on works by artists who are also featured at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Chakaia Booker, Deborah Butterfield, Alexander Calder, George Rickey, Edgar Degas, Henry Moore, and Auguste Rodin. Additionally, the museum holds a large collection of contemporary craft works, featuring glass and ceramic works from the mid-20th century to present day. There is much to explore in this gem of a museum! The fee includes bus transportation, lunch, tours, admission fees and a sandwich for the return drive. Expect some stairs and a fair amount of walking and standing. Accommodations may be possible—please call 616-974-5225 for more details. Register at MeijerGardens.org/calendar or call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

CL ASSES

Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

REGISTER ONLINE AT MEIJERGARDENS.ORG/CALENDAR E-mail classes@meijergardens.org to ask questions. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Non-member class fees include admission to Meijer Gardens for class participants on the day of the class.

( ) Applies toward MSU Extension

Master Gardener education credit.

Saturday, September 7 (Adults) 9—11:30 am

Saturday, September 14 (Ages 6-10 with Adult) 10–11:30 am

Saturday, September 21 (Adults) 11 am–1 pm

OUTDOOR PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY

GRANDPARENT AND ME: MAKE A MINI-JAPANESE GARDEN

GOURD ORNAMENTS

INSTRUCTOR: Dusty Brown FEE: $35 members, $45 non-members Learn how to adapt your photography knowledge for creating stunning portraits using natural light and strobe light in the Michigan elements; grey skies, bright sun, and even wind and snow. Listen as Dusty covers the importance of location, lighting and poses. Lightroom and Photoshop will be explained using sample images taken in class. This class is for intermediate photographers or those that have substantial knowledge of photography.

Wednesdays: September 11, 18, 25 and October 2 and 9 (Adults) 6–8 pm

LANDSCAPE FOR LIFE*

INSTRUCTOR: Rebecca Marquardt FEE: $125 members, $135 non-members Discover ways to make your yard more sustainable and attractive to wildlife while embracing the “ecosystem services” that nature provides—controlling erosion, cleaning air and water, promoting wildlife habitat, and improving human health and wellbeing. Each week you will be asked to complete tasks related to building a site plan for your property. Through careful observation and analysis this class provides the tools you need to enhance the ways you can bring the landscape to life while solving any "problems" that are uncovered. We will use your actual projects as case studies to explore creative design solutions while drawing upon examples of professionally designed spaces to explore a variety of garden styles. You will also see the sustainable practices and landscapes at Meijer Gardens during a special tram tour. This class is based on a program developed by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, US Botanic Garden, and the American Society for Landscape Architects and tailored for West Michigan by landscape architect and native plant enthusiast, Rebecca Marquardt. This class includes ten hours of instruction, a tour, and a portfolio with handouts, drawing paper, and assignments.

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Take a short walk out to the Japanese Garden and follow the winding paths to look for rocks, waterfalls, bridges, trees and poetry. Learn what makes a Japanese Garden unique. Then work in pairs to create your own mini-Japanese garden, complete with a plant, tiny stones, sand and a sculpture you create from white modeling clay.

Saturday, September 14 (Adults) 10 am–12 pm

FALL MANDALA ZENTANGLE

INSTRUCTOR: Marjorie Goosen FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Learn simple techniques to create beautiful images from structured patterns, taught by a certified Zentangle instructor. Then, weather permitting, visit the Japanese Garden for inspiration to create a unique and lovely mandala—a symbolic geometric design. All levels welcome.

INSTRUCTOR: Julie Glover FEE: $35 members, $45 non-members Discover how to turn a simple gourd into a beautiful ornament. Select from a variety of shapes and then use paints and natural materials, including feathers, to decorate two gourds. Keep them to enjoy or give them as gifts.

Saturday, September 21 (Ages 4-5 with Adult)

10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: CONSTRUCTION FUN

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Dig in for a fun time working together to measure, “paint,” hammer, and build! Have fun at our sand table “construction site,” play construction games and listen to construction stories.

LAST YOGA SESSION OF THE SEASON Tuesday, September 17 (Adults) 6–7 pm

OUTDOOR YOGA

INSTRUCTOR: Dean Jeffery FEE: $7 members, $17 non-members Join us for a refreshing and meditative session of yoga with a well-known instructor, Dean Jeffery. This class will take place outdoors in the Sculpture Park at The American Horse plaza, weather permitting. Open to all levels and ages. Bring a yoga mat and dress for the weather. Pre-registration required.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Photo by John Harag.

CLASSES

CL ASSES

Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

THURSDAYS FOR THREES! SERIES These classes are for age three only with an adult. Each session includes a group activity, “curiosity time” and time outside, weather permitting. Register for one or all four!

Thursday, October 3, 10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: IT’S A HORSE OF COURSE!

Master Gardener education credit.

Tuesday, October 1 (Adults) 6–8 pm

PREPARE YOUR GARDEN FOR WINTER*

INSTRUCTOR: Tony England FEE: $25 members, $35 non-members Take steps now to save time in the spring. Discover which perennials to cut back and what to plant in autumn. Learn how to fertilize for fall and how to protect your shrubs for winter. Take home a checklist to help you get started.

Tuesday, October 8 (Adults) 4:30–6 pm

SPRING BULBS FOR WINTER BLAHS

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult

INSTRUCTOR: Bill Bird FEE: $50 members, $60 non-members Plant a container filled with layers of spring-blooming bulbs, such as daffodils, hyacinths, tulips and crocuses and enjoy a sequence of blooms for weeks this winter. Learn about the horticultural technique of “forcing”—providing just enough chilling to trick the bulbs into blooming early. Discover what to do once blooming is over so you can enjoy them in your garden for years to come.

Thursday, October 17, 10–11:30 am

Saturday, October 12 AND Saturday, October 19 (Adults) 10 am–12:30 pm

Have fun learning how horses work, run and play through songs, movement, stories and art. Visit The American Horse and participate in a “washing the horse” activity. Examine real horseshoes and horse hair. Create handprint horses, and make “horse food” snacks to share!

GRANDPARENT AND ME: SHAPES

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult

Come explore the wonderful world of shapes! Enjoy various centers in the classroom focused on shape and color. Then, create paper magnifying glasses and play “I Spy” as you go on a shape hunt to identify various shapes in sculpture and nature. Work together to recreate the sculpture Mad Mom using giant colored cardboard shapes. Make your own sculpture using peanut butter clay, cereal and M&M’s.

Thursday, November 7, 10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: SENSORY ART FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult

Spend some time with your favorite 3-year-old at engaging “sensory stations.” Squish and mold scented clay, paint with pudding, participate in fun finger plays, and create a textured leaf collage. Make a batch of snow floam to take home for endless hours of fun!

Thursday, November 21, 10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: WINTER WONDERS AND WHIMSY

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult

Learn the signs of winter in Michigan, including why animals hibernate. Wear your favorite cozy socks and enjoy hot chocolate while listening to a story. Make a mesh sack bird feeder to keep your feathered friends happy all winter long! 20

( ) Applies toward MSU Extension

CLASSES

BEGINNING ACRYLICS

INSTRUCTOR: Nick Antonakis FEE: $70 members, $80 non-members This class for beginners will take the student from the preparatory drawing to the blocking-in stage of the painting process, and eventually to the build-up and refinement of the painting, creating a still life with a vase of flowers and fruit. Basic painting techniques with acrylic paints will be explored. This class meets for two sessions.

Saturday, October 12 (Ages 6-12 with Adult)

10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: WORKING WITH WOOD

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult, $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Learn about shapes, space and pattern. Then, using a wooden box as a frame, create your own 3-dimensional sculpture with wooden blocks, wheels, beads, and furniture fragments, based on the works of Louise Nevelson. Plenty of time will be allotted for free expression! All materials provided.

CANCELLATION POLICY

CL ASSES

( ) Applies toward MSU Extension

Master Gardener education credit.

Saturday, October 19 (Adults) 10 am–1 pm

Saturday, November 2 (Ages 8+ with Adult) 10 am–12 pm

BONSAI FOR BEGINNERS

GRANDPARENT AND ME: iPAD PHOTOGRAPHY

INSTRUCTOR: Steve Jetzer FEE: $85 members, $95 non-members Learn how to select a tree with bonsai potential, an appropriate pot and the best potting mix. Discover which tools are indispensable and learn wiring and pruning techniques. Receive a bonsai tree and work in a friendly atmosphere under the expert guidance of the instructor to begin training your bonsai. Class is limited to eight students.

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Learn some quick and easy tips about iPad photography, then spend time together photographing the beautiful indoor gardens and turning your photographs into a digital keepsake collage.

Friday, October 25 (Age 6+ with Adult) 7–8:30 pm Bonsai example.

Saturday, October 19 (Adults) 1–2:30 pm

BARNS INTO BIRDHOUSES®

INSTRUCTOR: John Guertin FEE: $15 members, $25 non-members Learn about some of our favorite topics at Meijer Gardens: songbirds, conservation, and architecture. Sip lemonade and listen to the story of our historic barn, and then hear local artist/conservationist John Guertin describe how he turns parts from barns that are past their prime into unique and scientific pieces of art. On your own after class, take a stroll out to the Michigan’s Farm Garden to check out our own unique barn. Barns Into Birdhouses® was featured at the Smithsonian Craft Exposition, National Building Museum, Washington DC.

FAMILY NIGHT HIKE: ALL ABOUT OWLS

INSTRUCTOR: Sally Triant FEE: $10 member child, $15 member adult $13 non-member child, $18 non-member adult Who who who whooo do you hear out there? Do you ever wonder who is waking up just when you are going to sleep at night? Have you ever wanted to go owling? Join us for an evening tour looking for owls on the grounds of Meijer Gardens. We will learn about some of the most common owls found in Michigan and learn some tips and tricks to make your own yard more appealing as an owl habitat. Join Sally Triant, from Grow Wise Learning, for an owl adventure for the whole family. Bring your flashlight and come dressed ready to explore in all kinds of weather.

Tuesday, November 5 (Adults) 6–8 pm

FUSED GLASS BAR SET

INSTRUCTOR: Gloria Badiner FEE: $75 members, $85 non-members Participants will construct a fused glass bar set containing a wine bottle stopper, bottle opener and four stir sticks. The process will introduce the use of dichroic mosaic technique to create a beautiful matched set. Use of tools and all materials included. Glass will be fired for you and returned shortly.

Saturday, October 19 (Adults) 10 am–2 pm

NATURAL DYES

INSTRUCTOR: Megan Williams FEE: $50 members $60 non-members Join Megan Williams of Adventure Textiles and discover the art and science behind achieving natural colors from onion skins, avocado pits, turmeric and more. Learn how to set-up natural dye pots and dye with four kitchen materials and then shift some of the colors with an iron modifier. Leave with 21 samples in a small dye recipe book and a canvas tote you dye in class. All materials provided.

Fused dichroic glass bar set example.

CANCELLATION POLICY Natural Dyes example and materials.

CL ASSES

Scholarship assistance is available. Call 616-975-3184 or 616-975-3147.

Tuesday, November 5 (Adults) 6–7:30 pm

Wednesday, November 13 (Adults) 6:30–8:30 pm

INTRODUCTION TO HYDROPONICS*

MINDFULNESS FOR ADULTS: HOW TO BEFRIEND YOURSELF WITH SELF-COMPASSION

INSTRUCTOR: GrowCo FEE: $60 members, $70 non-members Learn about this well-established and fast growing system of modern agriculture to use in your home, from propagation to harvest. Hydroponics can be a fun, rewarding and innovative way to grow herbs, vegetables, and other plants indoors. Learn the basics of lighting and fertilization to successfully establish your plants, as well as water quality and pH adjustment. Class fee includes one beginner’s hydroponics kit (a $30 value), hydroton hydroponics growing medium, a live organic seedling and nutrients and instructions to care for your plant.

Saturday, November 9 (Adults) 10 am–2 pm

MACRAME WALL HANGING

INSTRUCTOR: Kelly Allen FEE: $65 members, $75 non-members Revisit the art of macramé, creating a beautiful wall hanging using cotton rope. Learn the basic knotting techniques of this versatile form of fiber art, as well as a bit of its history and discover that macramé dates back to the 13th century! Bring embellishments from home; dried herbs or flowers, a small photograph, or beads to personalize your wall hanging. All basic materials provided.

Mondays, November 11, 18, 25 (Adults) 5:30–8 pm

BEGINNING NATURE WATERCOLOR: FLOWERS, FOLIAGE AND WATER INSTRUCTOR: Nancy Hart FEE: $105 members, $115 non-members Become acquainted with basic watercolor materials and techniques using the natural world as an inspiration in this three-part class. Learn to block-in your subject and use layering techniques to fuse colors. Take advantage of small group instruction and paint something new each evening; flowers, foliage and water. Demonstration, practice and individual guidance will be implemented. Class is limited to 12 students. All materials provided. 22

CLASSES

INSTRUCTOR: Carol Hendershot FEE: $25 members, $35 non-members Relax in the fall beauty of Meijer Gardens and learn the benefits of practicing selfcompassion, which is a powerful tool for emotional resilience, connection with self and others, and overall life satisfaction. Mindful Self-Compassion teaches core principles and practices that enable us to fully open to the present moment, safely meet our emotions and feel connected to our world.

Wednesday, November 13 (Adults) 1–4 pm

INTRODUCTION TO COLORED PENCIL DRAWING AND RENDERING

INSTRUCTOR: Olivia MacKay FEE: $45 members, $55 non-members Begin by practicing pencil control to create colorful gradients, tones and textures in a relaxed atmosphere. Learn to create an engaging composition using layering techniques, blending and line work to capture the beauty of colorful flowers and plants. Receive helpful tips on achieving true-to-life shading. Class is limited to 12 students. All materials provided.

Saturday, November 16 (Age 7-10 with Adult) 10 am–12 pm

GRANDPARENT AND ME: MAKE A NATURAL BRANCH MOBILE

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Start with a visit to view the gallery exhibition with works by acclaimed artist Rebecca Louise Law. Then choose from a wide variety of materials, both natural and synthetic, including feathers, pinecones, dried flowers, patterned beads and colored tissue paper to add to your one-of-a-kind branch mobile. Enjoy the process of finding just the right balance!

CANCELLATION POLICY

( ) Applies toward MSU Extension

Master Gardener education credit.

Gel Plate Printing example.

NEW SESSION Saturday, November 16 (Adults) 10 am–1 pm

GEL PLATE PRINTING

INSTRUCTOR: Katie Reitemeier FEE: $75 members, $85 non-members If you enjoy playing with color and pattern, you’ll love exploring the endless designs you can create using gel plate printing. Gel printing is a form of monoprinting that uses layering of paint, stencil and texture tools on a silicone plate to create printed papers that can be used for card making, collage and art journal pages. Students will learn the basics of gel printing and take home their own gel plate and brayer ($25 value) along with their printed pages. Leaves will be used as the foundation for creating beautiful botanical prints.

Wednesday, November 20 (Adults) 6–8:30 pm

PETITE HARVEST PASTEL

INSTRUCTOR: Kathleen Kalinowski FEE: $45 members, $55 non-members Start out with a mini lesson about how to layer chalk pastels. Then choose from several small still lifes that include the splendors of autumn—flowers, fruits, berries and leaves. Create a 6x9 inch chalk pastel drawing suitable for framing. All levels welcome! Class is limited to 12 students.

CL ASSES

E-mail classes@meijergardens.org to ask questions. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. Non-member class fees include admission to Meijer Gardens for class participants on the day of the class.

Saturday, November 23 (Ages 6+ with Adult) 10–11:30 am

Saturday, December 7 (Ages 8+ with Adult) 10 am–12 pm

GRANDPARENT AND ME: ALL ABOUT EVERGREENS

GRANDPARENT AND ME: MINI HOUSE WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Learn about evergreen trees and then make a simple swag to hang on your door at home. Start out as a scientist by observing different evergreen needles and cones up close with a microscope. Then put your art skills to work by dipping needles and cones in paint to make prints showing the differences. Last, assemble a pleasing arrangement of branches, a colorful bow and embellishments to make a lovely holiday door swag.

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Visit the Railway Garden and be inspired by artist Paul Busse’s creative use of natural materials. Look for replicas of more than 30 Grand Rapidsarea landmarks like the Ada Covered Bridge, Fifth Third Ballpark and Voigt House, as well as some famous buildings from around the world. Then work together using natural materials to decorate a 3-D mini wooden house.

Saturday, December 7 (Age 5-10 with Adult) 10–11:30 am OR 1–2:30 pm

GRANDPARENT AND ME: DECORATE A GINGERBREAD TROLLEY

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Visit the Railway Garden to view our delightful trolleys and watch where they go. Listen to a story and play a trolley game. Head into the classroom where you will use frosting, candy and marshmallows to decorate a one-of-a-kind trolley from freshly made gingerbread!

Monday, December 9 (Adults) 6–8 pm

PHOTOGRAPHING HOLIDAY LIGHTS All About Evergreens example.

NEW SESSION

Tuesday, December 3 (Adults) 2–5:30 pm

WET FELTING

INSTRUCTOR: Kathy Forzley FEE: $65 members, $75 non-members Using merino wool as a base, learn the process of wet felting to create a mediumsized vessel. Embellish your piece with silk fiber or cotton gauze while wet. After drying two to three days at home, add other trimmings such as beads or natural objects to personalize your hand-made piece of art. A considerable amount of hand and arm strength is needed to manipulate the wool for 1 hour. Class is limited to 12 students.

INSTRUCTOR: Cory Olsen FEE: $30 members, $40 non-members Learn the basics for beautiful seasonal photographs—effective backgrounds, creative angles, light effects and best time of day. Then try out what you’ve learned amidst 300,000 holiday lights. Must be familiar with how to change camera into manual mode and change ISO and white balance.

( ) Applies toward MSU Extension

Master Gardener education credit.

Pop-Up Holiday Card example.

Tuesday, December 10 (Adults) 3–5 pm

POP-UP HOLIDAY CARDS

FEE: $25 members, $35 non-members Start by picking a holiday theme from one of the Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions displays. Then learn the basics of pop-up card making using templates to create a twisted popup and explosion card. Choose from an array of supplies to embellish and personalize your cards. Leave with two templates to use again for future card-making. All materials provided.

Saturday, December 14 (Adults) 8–9 am

YOGA UNDER THE HOLIDAY TREES

INSTRUCTOR: Dean Jeffery FEE: $7 members, $17 non-members Relax in the quiet beauty of Meijer Gardens at holiday time. Join us for a morning session under the beautifully decorated trees in the BISSELL Corridor. Open to all levels. Bring a yoga mat and water bottle. Pre-registration required.

Saturday, December 14 (Ages 5-7 with Adult) 10–11:30 am

GRANDPARENT AND ME: MEXICAN HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

FEE: $18 member child, $18 member adult $22 non-member child, $22 non-member adult Work together to create a colorful luminary to take home and make a mini-piñata with a treat inside. Then learn about the special holiday celebration called Las Posadas and go caroling through the beautifully lit Tropical

CANCELLATION POLICY Wet Felting example.

Rebecca Louise Law. Community, 2019. Mixed Media. Photo courtesy of The Toledo Museum of Art.

British installation artist Rebecca Louise Law is recognized internationally for her colossal floral sculptures. Using both fresh and dried plant material and flora, Law’s site-specific installations dazzle the senses. Strung by hand on thin copper wire, an incredible one million flowers and plants from Law’s existing collection will be on display, and an additional 10,000 flowers and plants gathered from Meijer Gardens’ grounds will also be installed.

Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb is made possible by

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HORTICULTURE EXHIBITION

AUTUMN 2019 Volume 10, Issue 4

In this immersive exhibition, designed exclusively for Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Law explores the relationship between humanity and nature. Accompanying the larger installation will be a collection of glass sculpture and paintings. Though photography is allowed in specific areas, Law encourages guests to put aside their cell phones and cameras and fully engage with the exhibition. Enjoy Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb from September 20, 2019 through March 1, 2020.

Would you prefer to receive Seasons via email?

Friday, September 20—Sunday, March 1, 2020 vvv

If so, please contact the Philanthropy/Membership Office at 616-977-7689 or membership@meijergardens.org.

Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb

1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

SEPT 20–MAR 1

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park promotes the enjoyment, understanding and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment and the arts.

UPCOMING

Seasons - Autumn 2019 {Vol. 10 Issue 4}

Articles inside

Why a Meijer Gardens Tribute?

Upcoming Exhibition

Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions

A True Team Effort

Member Profile

Holiday Gift Show

Monarchs, Milkweed and Migration

A Winding Path

Rebecca Louise Law: The Womb

Gardens and Growth

Chrysanthemums & More!