Seasons – Autumn 2025 | Vol. 16 (4)

seasons Autumn ‘25 (August–October) Volume 16, Issue 4 Jaume Plensa. I, you, she or he… (detail), 2006. Stainless steel and stone, 84 inches high plus stone base. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © I, you, she or he…

by Jaume Plensa, 2006.

“We live in one world …. We breathe the same air .… We love and we hurt together .…

A little better because of this park ...”

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

These are the words of Fred Meijer. These are the words Fred spoke to open the park in 1995.

These are the words that echoed throughout the decades—the words that played to close our celebration of the first 30 years of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

Honorary Member Earl Holton (1934–2024)

These are the words that frame the next 30 years of this beloved cultural destination.

Ex Officio Member President of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Foundation Amy Keane

As we’ve shared, our work for the future has been focused on listening, planning, experimenting, achieving—from our Strategic Planning Process to our 20-year Master Planning to our investment in works by artists Ursula von Rydingsvard, Tom Otterness, and Nick Cave; from our renovation of the Huizenga Grand Room and Loeschner Grand Atrium to our new sustainable electric tram fleet, seating throughout our campus, and the upcoming renovation of the entrance portal to our endearing Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. Our board, staff and volunteer teams are committed to living Fred’s seminal promise—Together.

Together, we’re governed by a dynamic board of directors, listed adjacent to this letter. As a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit charity organization, our fiduciary and strategic responsibilities reside with our board. Led by worldclass executive Candace Matthews, this institutional body comprises community and business leaders, passionate advocates, philanthropists, cultural connectors—diverse ambassadors of excellence who ensure our future is strong; who ensure our future is positioned toward the positive, the sustainable, the culturally relevant. They are volunteers, offering their time, talent, and treasures to our committees, events, and fundraising efforts. They are fearless stewards of our commitment to a healthy community and our strategic focus on the intersection of art, culture, and nature—all while keeping our footing firmly grounded in joy, welcoming, and world-class execution. We are grateful for their leadership. We are grateful for their spirit of Together.

Together, we exist to serve you—our patrons—and we ask you to consider a gift to this special place. Autumn is often the season for reflecting on year-end giving priorities. What organizations in your life are important, make an impact, and represent your aspirations? We humbly ask you to place Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park amongst your considerations. Whether inspired by one of our new programs focused on accessibility for all, a concert or performance event in our Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater, a specially curated evening of family and friends, or our continual investments in our Sculptural Park and our campus, you could be a part of our work—Together.

Together with our board of directors, you could help through your simple one-time gift, an upgraded Society-level membership, the gift of membership for your family—even sponsorship from your place of work. Please visit us online at MeijerGardens.org/donate to discover the many ways you could make a difference. We thank you. We are grateful.

“We live in one world .… We breathe the same air .… We love and we hurt together .… A little better because of this park ….”

Together, these are the words of the next 30 years.

Together, we seek to intersect art, culture and nature.

Together, we are inspired by the power of joy, welcoming and being world-class in our stewardship.

Honorary Chairman Frederik Meijer (1919–2011)

President & CEO Charles Burke

Chair Candace Matthews Vice Chair Tim Liang Alison Mast Colin Seegmiller Secretary Linda Chamberlain Treasurer Alison Mast Directors Amy Assenmacher Peter Baldwin Rosalynn Bliss Chuck Christmas Guillermo Cisneros Nicole Dandridge Duane Shields Davis Jackie Del Raso Brad Doan Joy Fossel Terri Gaskey Paul Goulet Mark Gurney Kevin Jeakle Joe Jones Mary McLoughlin Thomas Merchant William Padnos James Peacock III JoAnne Perkins Daniel Persinger Ryan Podvin Colin Seegmiller Beth Snyder Randy Thelen Michael Toth Hanna Tuzzolino Al Vanderberg Susan VogelVanderson Jill Walcott Shannon Wilson Richard Winn Trevor Wolfe

Together, this is a place where we all grow.

Warmly,

Charles Burke, President & CEO, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Facing page, right: Bernar Venet. Two Indeterminate Lines (detail), 2003. Rolled steel, 95 x 122 x 105 inches. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © Bernar Venet.

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3 Tom Otterness. Mad Mom, 2001. Bronze, 119 x 66 x 49.5 inches. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © Tom Otterness , Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Autumn Abundance Around Every Corner

store nutrients to endure the harsh winter months and set terminal buds that will become the first blooms of spring. Our Horticulture team is abustle, planting bulbs and pruning plants and trees to enhance fruits and blossoms next year.

As much of nature tucks itself in, fall’s favorite flower emerges as the headliner in our beloved annual exhibition Mums at Meijer Gardens, gracing our campus October 1 through 31. Back for its 27th year, this annual event—the largest of its kind in Michigan—is a true testament to the majestic colors, patterns and textures of autumn.

Michigan's Largest Display of Chrysanthemums October 1-31, 2025

Expect the unexpected as you wander the Grand Entry Garden, Earl & Donnalee Holton Victorian Garden Parlor, and Grace Jarecki Seasonal Display Garden adorned with thousands of mums in the traditional hues of fall, complemented by earthy cream, gold, rust, and brown. Look for captivating plantings in containers, topiaries, and trellises, along with cornucopias, grasses, and ornamental peppers. The Gunberg and BISSELL Corridors boast immersive experiences and bountiful displays created by our own horticulturists, who collect and dry plant material to allow their beauty far beyond peak bloom. Mums share the spotlight with plentiful pumpkins and gourds, this year more than ever. “We have more than doubled both the number of varieties and the pounds of pumpkins and gourds

As temperatures cool and days grow shorter, fall heats up at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. This season, join us as we usher in autumn in all its splendor.

throughout the garden,” LaWarre notes. “As you venture outside, don’t miss focused moments of impact in front of the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden and in Michigan’s Farm Garden.”

hile we look forward to the evolution of every season, fall is special because it’s the last hurrah before winter, Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre explains. “The extraordinary change is visually more subdued but equally stunning to summer. Autumn evokes different feelings as we bundle up and anticipate the coming holidays.”

Meijer Gardens partners with Michigan farmers, who grow our pumpkins and gourds especially for this exhibition. You’ll discover interesting varieties such as Autumn Frost, Chicago Warted, Cushaw Green Striped, Sand Ghost, Silver Moon and Sunrise. Fall is all about family time, too. Round up the kids and join us on Tuesday evenings in October. We’re open until 9 pm for the return of Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens—with live entertainment, children’s programming, refreshments and so much more in store. Stay up late with us!

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From a horticulture perspective, autumn sets the stage for spring. Unseen changes occur in plants as they prepare to

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Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens SUPPORTED BY THE GEORGE AND DOROTHY VANDE WOUDE FOUNDATION Tuesdays in October

DeVos Van Andel Piazza Enjoy lawn games or pull up a seat and take in the autumn sights and smells.

Michigan’s Farm Garden Listen to live entertainment on the covered porch while you nosh on expanded food and beverage offerings. Stroll the winding path and see our vibrant harvest of heirloom vegetables, herbs, gourds, and larger-than-life pumpkins.

Explore our new illuminated Pumpkin Walk, a glowing forest of majestic trees and mystical logs accented by a cornucopia of lantern pumpkins and gourds handetched by local artists. This year, we’re rolling out new selfie stations and lighting—sure to surprise and delight the little ones.

Applies toward Great Lakes Floral Association Certified Florist Continued Education Unit (CEU).

Applies toward Certified Green Industry Professional Continued Education Unit (CEU).

*Applies toward MSU Extension Master Gardener Continued Education Unit (CEU).

Relief Printmaking: Chrysanthemum Tea Towel (Adults) Thursday, October 9, 5:30–8:30 pm $50 members | $60 nonmembers Taylor Bultema Learn relief printmaking basics while exploring composition and the balance of positive and negative space. Choose a pre-drawn chrysanthemum or create your own design to carve, then ink and print it onto a tea towel and a 5-by-7-inch print to take home.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is the place to be on Tuesday nights in October!

Back by popular demand, Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens returns with exciting new enhancements to our fall festivities. Autumn Nights at Meijer Gardens is free with admission, with the exception of food and beverage offerings.

Visit MeijerGardens.org for more details.

Bundle up and be there! Here’s a sneak peek:

Gwen Frostic Woodland Shade Garden

Autumn Horticulture and Art Classes

Mums & Gourds: A Fall Floral Workshop (Adults) Thursday, October 9, 6–8 pm $110 members | $120 nonmembers Ashlee Brotherton, Thistledown Floral

Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater

Create a stunning seasonal arrangement using vibrant chrysanthemums and a unique gourd vase in this hands-on floral design class. With gourds prepped and ready to go, you’ll focus on floral arranging techniques, color pairing, and composition. Taught by Ashlee Brotherton of boutique farm and wedding florist Thistledown Farms—known for whimsical, garden-inspired designs—this class offers an ideal opportunity to craft a festive, one-of-a-kind fall centerpiece.

Enjoy unplugged local music, seasonal snacks, adult beverages and hot cider.

Art and Nature Tram Tour: Autumn* (Adults) Thursday, October 16, 6–7:30 pm $15 members | $25 nonmembers Meijer Gardens Curatorial and Horticulture Staff Immerse yourself in the harmonious blend of art and nature, on a guided tram tour showcasing the stunning beauty of our grounds in autumn.

For a complete description of classes or to sign up, scan the QR code or visit: MeijerGardens.org/Calendar

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Michigan’s Farm Garden Events Michigan’s Farm Garden activities are included with admission. Registration not required. Please dress for the weather. All activities take place outdoors.

Fridays at the Farm August 29, 10:30 am–1:30 pm Have bushels of family fun! Children of all ages will enjoy farm-time fun working together on “chore challenges” and joining farm-inspired stories, games, music, and more. See you all down on the farm!

Special Family Weekends at the Farm Garden Heirloom Harvest Weekend Saturday, September 6, 11 am–2 pm Sunday, September 7, 1–4 pm Celebrate the changing seasons! Enjoy fall flavors with heirloom tomato tastings, tap your toes to live harvest tunes, and ask our expert horticulturists your gardening questions.

Hands-on activities and family-friendly fun are a great way to welcome autumn’s bounty.

Heirloom Harvest Weekend Workshops Seed Saving: Vegetables and Herbs* (Adults) Saturday, September 6, 10 am–12 pm $30 members | $40 nonmembers Devon Wilson, Sunlight Gardens Learn which plants can be propagated, how to improve gene pools, and why some seeds can’t be saved. Practice cleaning seeds and take home a selection to start or grow your own collection!

Fall Vegetable Gardening 101* (Adults) Sunday, September 7, 12–1:30 pm $30 members | $40 nonmembers Joanna Walters, New City Farms Explore techniques to extend your growing season and ensure success and efficiency in spring! Plus, take home a selection of plants ideal for fall planting.

Natural Dyes Harvested from Nature (Adults) Sunday, September 7, 1–4 pm $60 members | $70 nonmembers Megan Williams, Adventure Textiles Explore the art and science of creating natural dyes using seasonal plants. Take home 21 dye samples and a hand-dyed 14-by-54-inch unhemmed table runner you create.

The Fascinating World of Heirlooms * (Adults) Sunday, September 7, 2–3:30 pm $25 members | $35 nonmembers Peter Quakenbush, PhD Top to bottom: Andy Goldsworthy. Grand Rapids Arch, 2001/2005. Red sandstone, 216 x 426 x 87 inches.

Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © Andy Goldsworthy | Nina Akamu. The American Horse, 1999. Bronze, 288 x 91 x 339 inches.

Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © 2007 DaVinci Discovery Center of Science & Technology | Roxy Paine. Neuron, 2010.

Stainless steel, 492 x 528 x 624 inches. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. Neuron, 2010 © Roxy Paine

Explore the fascinating history and genetics of treasured heirloom plants. Uncover why their rich diversity matters. Leave with a deeper appreciation for their cultural and botanical legacy.

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Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism October 24, 2025–March 15, 2026

This first United States retrospective of internationally acclaimed artist Jaume Plensa spotlights his human side.

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he art of Jaume Plensa has almost become synonymous with Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, after the 2021 opening of his marble Utopia in the Garden Pavilion at the heart of our Welcome Center. The defining qualities of that sublime installation—a focus on the human form; unity of distinct individuals; hushed and introverted tone— recur in many of Plensa’s other works over the past four decades.

The exhibition Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism, the artist’s first career retrospective to be held in the United States, surveys both the continuity and the diversity in Plensa’s oeuvre.

Although Plensa’s work is marked by a great variety of formats and media— encompassing monumental and intimatescaled sculpture, and including works in stone, wood, metal, video, and sound— humankind remains the prime subject of

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his art. Plensa’s exploration of the human condition traverses the personal and collective, individual and universal. A New Humanism reveals the artist’s ongoing engagement with issues related to our common humanity. Through a selection of sculptures spanning four decades, along with related works on paper, the exhibition spotlights this crucial dimension of his visionary art.

Plensa’s creative quest is fueled by a highly inquisitive mind, and one of his prime assertions is, “Sculpture is the best way to ask questions.” The questions he poses within his sculpture center on what it means to be human. As such, the artist also partakes of the grand humanist tradition, which holds the interests and values of humanity at its core.

Using his own body as the departure point in early work, Plensa’s initial probes into the human experience literally drew on his own blood, sweat and tears.

Grounded in his anatomy, Plensa’s art has increasingly expanded outward to embrace the fleshy geography that we

Left to right, top to bottom: Talking Continents, 2013. Stainless steel. 19 elements of variable dimensions. Installation view at Talking Continents, Galerie Lelong & Co., New York, USA, 2013.

Michael Bodycomb © Galerie Lelong & Co., NY | Silhouettes, 2011–2012. Stainless steel. Variable dimensions. Installation view at Le silence la pensée, Musée d’art moderne de Céret, Céret, France, 2015. Robin Townsend © Musée d’art moderne de Céret | Forgotten Dreams, 2020. Cast aluminum and light. 230 x 80 x 10 cm. Jim Prinz © GRAY, Chicago / New York

all inhabit. Geographic and architectural metaphors infuse much of the artist’s work and convey his understanding of our separate-yet-united state. His art at once recognizes the sanctity of the individual while extolling our interconnectedness, a duality potently expressed in his 2013 Talking Continents installation, which manifests the artist’s concept of human beauty: “What’s beautiful is to be as one, while keeping our differences.”

Our vast interiority is evoked in Plensa’s various sculpted heads rendered with eyes closed. Turned inward, they commune with themselves in a domain inhabited by personal desire. For Plensa, “the architecture of our bodies is the palace for our dreams,” rather than a prison or trap. This view echoes that of Romantic poet and painter William Blake, whose words often grace Plensa’s art, notably in his Silhouettes series of 2011– 12. Dreams and the imagination are ever present throughout the artist’s creative career, and the words “rêve” and “dream” repeatedly appear in titles of his works, books, and exhibitions.

While Plensa honors the individual’s internal realm, he ultimately sees inner

journeys as a route toward civil unity.

To know the far regions of ourselves, is to comprehend the capacities of other people. With one eye set on the personal sphere, and the other fixed on social affairs, Plensa’s art points to a worldly promise land built on private soil. In this regard, his Utopia is a hymn to both individual strength and collective harmony. It can also be read as a testament to the value and beauty of people across the globe.

A consideration of Plensa’s work within a humanist context gains sharper focus in light of his 2020 piece Forgotten Dreams, which features cast-aluminum doors inscribed with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, or UDHR. Adopted by the United Nations in 1948, these tenets assert common rights for all the world’s citizens to live with freedom, equality and dignity. With Forgotten Dreams, as with his many other works that beckon our potential, Jaume Plensa breathes new life into humanism and into the human experience.

Exhibition Programming Included with admission

Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism Member Opening Thursday, October 23, 6 pm Introductory talk by Suzanne Ramljak, Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs, followed by conversation with artist Jaume Plensa. Exhibition galleries open following program.

Behind the Eyes: A Curator’s Tour Sunday, November 9, 2–3 pm Suzanne Ramljak Join us in the indoor Sculpture Galleries for an intimate guided tour of Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism, with exhibition curator Suzanne Ramljak, Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs. Explore the range of associations and materials in this retrospective exhibition, which showcases the powerful themes in Jaume Plensa’s work, including dreams, desire, and human connectivity.

—Suzanne Ramljak, Vice President of Collections & Curatorial Affairs

Left to right: Still 38, 2021. Collage, pastel and ink on paper. 51 x 70 cm. Gasull Fotografia © Plensa Studio Barcelona | Firenze II, 1992. Cast aluminum and iron. 240 x 132 x 45 cm. Installation view at Jaume Plensa, Moscow Museum of Modern Art, Moscow, Russia, 2019. Laura Medina © Plensa Studio Barcelona

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Unusual Suspects “There are more than 600 known species of carnivorous plants,” LaWarre adds. “They come in all shapes and sizes and can be found in almost every area of the world, from short-season Alpine regions to tropical jungles to temperate climates, which surprises many people. In fact, North America has the widest diversity of carnivorous plants, some even native to Michigan.”

Final details are added to the waterfall and bog prior to opening the Kenneth E. Nelson Carnivorous Plant House.

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e can’t think of a more fitting season than autumn to feature the Kenneth E. Nelson Carnivorous Plant House, which opened on Halloween 2001. This beguiling garden is home to some of the most extraordinary plants across our 158 acres—and it’s a favorite among our Horticulture team and members and guests alike.

“The origin of our Carnivorous Plant House is an interesting one,” says Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre. “Longtime members will remember that the space itself used to be the Gardener’s Corner Gift Shop. When we moved that shop up front, it opened up space for a new garden. I proposed a carnivorous plant house and created a three-dimensional model.

It was a diverse new experience that we knew would draw attention to our growing gardens.”

An experience that would appeal to younger generations, especially. “Unlike bugs, frogs, and snakes, plants often don’t become super interesting to kids until they’re older,” LaWarre admits. “But when you start talking meat eaters, plants covered in snot, or filled with bug soup, kids lock in. It opens a doorway to education and entertainment.”

What makes a plant carnivorous? Three simple requirements: the ability to attract, trap, and digest insects and other small creatures. Carnivorous plants entice prey with irresistible features like sweet nectar, alluring odor, and vivid color; capture their meaty victims with elements such as specialized leaves; and secrete digestive enzymes or partner with beneficial bacteria, or both, to break down prey and feed. While many plants have one or two of these characteristics, they must have all three abilities—attract, trap, digest—to be truly carnivorous.

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Mitten meat eaters include the purple pitcher plant, Sarracenia purpurea, whose distinctive funnelshaped leaves catch rainwater and, ultimately, insects.

Stiff, downward-pointing hairs prevent an escape, so the plant can secrete digestive enzymes and feast.

The round-leaved sundew, Drosera rotundifolia, uses its intriguing reddish leaves and hair-like tendrils glistening with sticky glue-like “dew” to tempt prey.

Once it’s detected, the tendrils curl inward to engulf and complete the capture.

Michigan is also home to multiple species of bladderwort, Utricularia spp, the largest genus of carnivorous plants.

These tiny carnivores feast on the microscopic, using delicate stolons and filamentous stems to either anchor themselves lightly or drift freely in water. Instead of roots, they sport small, bladder-like traps equipped with miniature trap doors—perfect for snaring and digesting unsuspecting aquatic and semi-aquatic prey.

Perhaps the most familiar carnivore is the Venus flytrap, Dionaea muscipula. This fascinating plant, native to the coastal bogs of North and South Carolina, has distinctive leaves decorated with eyelash-like spines which, when triggered, close quickly around unsuspecting prey. Some of the largest, most robust carnivorous plants are from Southeast Asia, including the tropical pitcher plant, Nepenthes spp., whose hungry pitchers can be large enough to catch frogs, birds, and even rodents.

“Carnivorous plants are endlessly fascinating and often misunderstood,” says LaWarre. “I love showing off our Carnivorous Plant House and all its strange, diverse and sometimes startling inhabitants.

“These plants are a reminder of the intricate world around us.”

Credit

Sarracenia purpurea

Drosera rotundifolia

Dionaea muscipula

Utricularia spp

Nepenthes spp.

Credit

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Lessons in Sustainability: Shaping Our Future E

nvironmental sustainability at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is a core value, reflected in both design and operations. Our commitment is noticeable through the integration of green building practices and the development of LEED-certified facilities. These environmentally conscious structures incorporate energy-efficient technologies and sustainable materials, reinforcing our mission to promote the enjoyment, understanding, and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts while minimizing environmental impact.

The approach balances visitor experience with ecological responsibility, ensuring the natural beauty of our grounds is preserved for future generations.

As part of the Plaster Creek Watershed, we pursue land stewardship practices that protect local ecosystems and waterways.

In partnership with Plaster Creek Stewards, we regularly host volunteer invasive species pulls and support restoration projects with native plantings. We also partner with Plaster Creek Stewards to participate in the annual Mayor’s Grand River Cleanup, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving regional water quality and fostering community engagement in conservation efforts.

Glass collected during the cleanup is repurposed each year to create

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Lilium michiganense (Michigan lily)

reclaimed glass mosaics—transforming waste into meaningful, community-inspired art. In addition, we recently piloted the use of goats as a sustainable method for controlling invasive species on our grounds.

This innovative approach reduces reliance on chemical herbicides, enriches soil health through natural fertilization, and supports biodiversity by allowing native plants to reestablish.

Looking toward the future, sustainability remains a guiding principle in our long-term planning. As part of our ongoing Campus Master Plan Framework development—led by Philadelphia-based landscape architecture firm DAVID RUBIN Land Collective and supported by New York-based environmental sustainability consultants Atelier Ten—we are working to integrate sustainability goals across our campus and its operations. From a recent transition to electric trams to broader infrastructure improvements, these efforts reflect a continued investment in environmental responsibility that will shape Meijer Gardens for years to come.

We invite you to join us this autumn for a variety of sustainability-related programming and volunteer events that offer meaningful ways to get involved and support our mission.

Euthamia graminifolia (grass-leaved goldenrod)

PLASTER CREEK STEWARDS: RESTORATION PROJECTS WITH NATIVE PLANTINGS

Environmental Classes & Events Applies toward Great Lakes Floral Association Certified Florist Continued Education Unit (CEU).

Applies toward Certified Green Industry Professional Continued Education Unit (CEU).

*Applies toward MSU Extension Master Gardener Continued Education Unit (CEU).

FREE Volunteer Event!

Mayor’s Grand River Cleanup (Adults) Tuesday, September 9, 10 am–12 pm Plaster Creek Stewards Location: Off-site, Plaster Creek Watershed Learn about the importance of our local waterways before cleaning up the Plaster Creek Watershed!

FREE Volunteer Event!

Green Infrastructure Planting (Adults) Thursday, September 11, 10 am–12 pm Plaster Creek Stewards Location: Off-site, Plaster Creek Watershed

GOATS ON OUR GROUNDS: SUSTAINABLE INVASIVE SPECIES CONTROL METHOD

Get hands-on with environmental advocates Plaster Creek Stewards! Learn about native plants’ vital role in supporting pollinators, filtering water, and sustaining wildlife. Plant and care for these species in the Plaster Creek Watershed. Registration required.

Painting the Wetlands: Plein Air Gouache (Adults) Wednesday, September 10, 5–7:30 pm AND Wednesday, September 17, 5–7:30 pm $85 members | $95 nonmembers Nancy Hart Level: Beginner to Intermediate Experience Meijer Gardens’ wetlands while learning to paint with vibrant, smooth, forgiving gouache. This outdoor class guides you through essential techniques to create nature-inspired artwork.

Fabulous Native Plants for Fall* (Adults) Thursday, September 18, 4:30–7 pm $30 members | $40 nonmembers Carolyn Miller, Michigan State University Discover trees, shrubs, wildflowers, and grasses that produce attractive flowers, fruit, and seeds to add beauty to the landscape and benefit wildlife.

Reclaimed Glass Mosaic Tray Workshop (Adults) Thursday, September 18, 1–2:30 pm $45 members | $55 nonmembers Amber Oudsema, Meijer Gardens Create a stunning glass mosaic tray using reclaimed glass from Meijer Gardens’ cleanups, inspired by El Anatsui’s New World Map and your own personal touches.

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Environmental Sustainability and Our Trams

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hat’s smooth, leisurely, diesel-free, and so utterly quiet you could hear birds’ calls and cascading waterfalls?

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park welcomes an electric trio of trams—innovative eco-friendly vehicles demonstrating our commitment to environmental sustainability.

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Our fresh fleet continues to provide narrated tours throughout our gardens and Sculpture Park, now from a new angle and via environmentally sound transportation. The trams’ wheelchair ramps enhance accessibility, making these Meijer Gardens conveyances more welcoming to all.

“The introduction of electric trams aligns with our mission to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of gardens, sculpture, the natural environment, and the arts,” said Carol Kendra, Chief Operating Officer. “We are delighted to offer our guests a sustainable and engaging way to experience the beauty of our grounds.”

These bright new trams bear our familiar logo and operate on a first-come, firstserved basis, with weather-dependent schedules changing seasonally.

Guests who require assistance are encouraged to consult with staff at our Peter C. & Emajean Cook Transportation Center.

For your convenience, tram tour tickets are available the day of your visit in person at the Cook Transportation Center. Visit MeijerGardens.org/tram for more information.

Alexander Liberman. Aria, 1979-1983. Painted steel, 504 x 504 x 396 inches. Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © 2022 Alexander Liberman Trust

Plant Shows and Classes Admission to plant shows is complimentary.

Registration is not required.

Applies toward Great Lakes Floral Association Certified Florist Continued Education Unit (CEU).

Applies toward Certified Green Industry Professional Continued Education Unit (CEU).

*Applies toward MSU Extension Master Gardener Continued Education Unit (CEU).

Dahlia Show DAHLIA SHOW: WEST MICHIGAN DAHLIA SOCIETY August 23 and 24 Saturday: 12–5 pm | Sunday: 11 am–5 pm Become inspired as you stroll through a room filled with stunning blooms and a rainbow of color.

Be amazed by flowers the size of dinner plates and discover the huge variety of flower forms available. View lovely floral arrangements and chat with Dahlia Society members to learn more about growing this beautiful flower.

Bonsai Show FALL BONSAI SHOW: WEST MICHIGAN BONSAI CLUB October 4 and 5 Saturday 10 am–5 pm | Sunday 11 am–5 pm 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.

Bonsai Classes Kick-start your bonsai journey by learning the basics and hands-on techniques to train a Ficus bonsai tree. With your guide, you’ll trim and shape your own tropical bonsai.

Jade Bonsai Workshop* (Adults) Sunday, October 5, 12–2 pm $90 members | $100 nonmembers Green Witch Gardens Level: Beginner

Dahlia Floral Arrangement (Adults) Saturday, August 23, 10:30 am–12:30 pm $110 members | $120 nonmembers Mandi Stade CF, Meijer Gardens

Learn the basics of bonsai, starting from scratch working with an untrained bonsai. Learn how to select a tree with potential, styling techniques, tools used and composition considerations.

Shape and trim your own jade bonsai under expert guidance, taking time to ask questions. Trees will be repotted during the workshop. All tools and materials provided.

Create a stunning floral arrangement with locally sourced dahlias and seasonal flowers while learning design fundamentals, color combinations, and display techniques.

Jeff Miner, President of the Midwest Dahlia Conference and West Michigan Dahlia Society, teaches expert tips on growing and caring for dahlias year-round, from planting to overwintering, while exploring their stunning varieties, vibrant colors, and unique forms.

Gain exclusive behind-the-scenes insight into our world-class bonsai collection. Ted Bentley shares his expertise on how Meijer Gardens sources, nurtures and styles these exquisite miniature masterpieces. Conclude with a rare visit to the bonsai holding area, to gain insight into the detailed care and preparation required to ready these trees for display. Whether you're a longtime bonsai enthusiast or new to the art, this experience offers a deeper appreciation for these miniature masterpieces.

Ficus Bonsai Workshop* (Adults) Saturday, October 4, 12–2 pm $85 members | $95 nonmembers Level: Beginner

Dahlia Classes

Dahlias 101* (Adults) Sunday, August 24, 1–3 pm $25 members | $35 nonmembers Jeff Miner, West Michigan Dahlia Society President

Hidden Artistry: The Bonsai Collection (Adults) Sunday, October 5, 10 am–12 pm $20 members | $30 nonmembers Ted Bentley, Meijer Gardens

Juniper Bonsai Workshop* (Adults) Saturday, October 4, 2–4 pm $85 members | $95 nonmembers West Michigan Bonsai Club Level: Beginner Learn the bonsai basics, starting from scratch working with an untrained juniper in a 3-gallon nursery pot.

Visit MeijerGardens.org/calendar for a full listing and description of classes, events, registration information, and cancellation policies.

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NOVEMBER 24–JANUARY 3

Light Up the Night Our holiday spectacle returns to illuminate the season with a magical blend of art, light, and nature only experienced at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

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he sole immersive experience of its kind in West Michigan, ENLIGHTEN rivals the world’s most iconic holiday displays and serves as the ultimate complement to our already enchanting University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition.

Crafted by our visionary partners at Lightswitch and Upstaging, ENLIGHTEN is a 90-minute, high-impact spectacle curated expressly for Meijer Gardens. This 15

internationally recognized lighting, media, and visual design team is the genius behind productions at such renowned institutions as The Morton Arboretum, Shedd Aquarium, Millenium Park, and Hamilton: The Exhibition in Chicago, along with the Hans Zimmer Live world tour and the Fremont Street Experience and Voltaire in Las Vegas. Meijer Gardens was the first to bring the technical artistry of Lightswitch to Michigan.

ENLIGHTEN unfolds along a 1-mile path through our Sculpture Park. As you wander this winter wonderland, note how the interplay of light and music creates immersive environments blending worldrenowned sculpture with innovative technology. From the whimsical to the dramatic, dynamic lightscapes add new dimension to The American Horse, Neuron, Eve, Aria, Ways to Say Goodbye, Scarlatti, and other sculptures. Neuron features field-effect technology that allows you to control the light with your hands, while a keyboard placed near Aria lets you create your own composition of

light and music. HYBYCOZO’s Glacial Light will also return, in a prominent new location.

“Our focus this year is sharper than ever, centered on creating experiences that don’t just look good but feel meaningful,” explains John Featherstone, Principal at Lightswitch. “We design ENLIGHTEN to be walked through, touched, played with, remembered. We want you to find joy, wonder, calm, connection—whether strolling under a canopy of color or laughing with someone you love at an unexpected moment of light and music.”

Other hot spots on the ENLIGHTEN path include the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater and The Waterfall. Of all the spaces, The Waterfall was an instant favorite for many who spent time there—a spectacular experience that truly transformed that area, with lasers of light and mapping on the rocks giving it an otherworldly feel.

Enhancements to ENLIGHTEN will include new expressions of lighting and music, additional restrooms and expanded

Joseph Kinnebrew. Visitations: Majorette, Hand Stands, Gifts, A Slight Lapse of Purpose, Yea, 1994–1997. Iron, height 54 to 69 inches.

Gift of the Hoffius Family in memory of Barbara C. Hoffius. © Joseph Kinnebrew. Abby Fox Photography

refreshments throughout the experience, more firepits to warm up by as you wander, and additional programming on the Frederik Meijer Gardens Amphitheater plaza.

“We learned so much,” Featherstone notes.

“From how light brings the sculpture collection to life in unexpected ways, to how sound travels at night, to how people move through the space—it helped us see what landed and what we could push even further. Moments of surprise and joy we hadn’t planned on became memorable parts of the experience, which we’ll hold onto and amplify for Year 2.”

Again this year, ENLIGHTEN tickets will be available for purchase online, with an exclusive September 8 member presale and member pricing throughout the exhibition. Visit MeijerGardens.org/ ENLIGHTEN for more details and to reserve your timed tickets beginning on September 8.

Exciting ENLIGHTEN sponsorship opportunities now available! Please contact our Philanthropy team at 616-975-3143 to explore the possibilities.

Early Access!

Members enjoy early access to discounted tickets.

MEMBER PRESALE BEGINS SEPTEMBER 8, 2025 Experience ENLIGHTEN on select dates between November 24, 2025, and January 3, 2026.

Visit MeijerGardens.org/ENLIGHTEN for more details and to reserve your timed tickets—with an exclusive member presale and member pricing!

NOTE: Public sale for ENLIGHTEN begins September 15.

TopJessica and middle: Harris, Wildcrest Bryan Esler Studio for Experience Grand Rapids

Bottom: Mark di Suvero. Scarlatti, 1994–2000. Steel, 304 x 720 x 360 inches.

Gift of Fred and Lena Meijer. © Mark di Suvero Jake Orr

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Lena Meijer Children’s Garden: The beloved garden’s refresh begins in October

Coming soon! Exterior rendering of the Big Girl Playground area.

T

his world of wonder forever changed the Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park footprint, when the first little guests walked through the mouse-hole-shaped gate 21 years ago.

Ever since, the beloved Lena Meijer Children’s Garden has brought out the child in us all.

“When we opened in 2004, the Children’s Garden created an unprecedented connection with kids and families that inspires our growth to this day,” says Senior Vice President Steve LaWarre. “This year, we’re embarking on a new chapter that will give those who enjoy this garden reasons to love it even more.”

Members largely inspired the Children’s Garden, Senior Lead Horticulturist Ian Warnock reminisces. “In 1997, we started talking about new gardens and surveyed members, garden clubs, schools, and the green industry.

Without fail, a children’s garden kept coming up.” This research led to children’s gardens visits across the country. “We discovered a children’s garden boosts overall visitation by up to 90%. That lit a fire under us, and certainly proved to be true over the last 20 years.”

Conceptualizing a children’s garden shaped Warnock’s life. “I was undergoing chemotherapy and kept myself energized by sketching what our garden could be. I recall thinking we want to create a place where knees get dirty and thumbs turn green—for kids and adults.

If you sow the seed of gardening when children are young, they’ll harvest that fruit for years to come.”

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Left page:

Studio Outside, Deneen Powell Atelier, Studio Shafer

Warnock especially enjoys engaging families in the Kid-Sense Garden. “Today’s children are tomorrow’s members and nature’s stewards of the world’s gardens.

It’s become my mission to get them involved, with their parent’s permission of course. I ask them to smell and taste our Peek-a-Boo plant, then share that it’s also known as the ‘toothache’ plant because in the old days if you had a toothache, chewing the leaves made your gums numb. I love teasing that if they eat it, they have to join our Horticulture team.”

While the children’s book-inspired topiaries, seasonal displays and educational Discovery Carts have evolved, the garden itself is unchanged. From the Kid-Sense, Great Lakes, and Storytelling Gardens to Treehouse Village, the Log Cabin and more, the original design still sparks imagination and exploration.

The first major refresh of this garden will begin in October. The tradition of the Children’s Garden will endure as we make significant improvements to keep it fresh and innovative. The reconfigured Information Center will become an ice cream parlor that is open throughout the year and will offer larger, more accessible gathering spaces; a more functional back patio; updated restrooms and changing stations; and expanded refreshments—including seasonal beverage and snack options. The newly enhanced space will be a place for families to recharge and relax, in every season.

The Butterfly Maze will be reimagined through Big Girl Right page:

Progressive Companies

Playground, by Mad Mom sculptor Tom Otterness. With slides for arms, a climbing wall skirt, and more, the interactive sculptural playground is only the second of its kind. “We met with the artist and he agreed to cast a second, exclusively for Meijer Gardens. It will be a new play experience for kids of all ages.” Warnock explained.

“We love that this will be a sculpture we actually want you to climb. Children will love sliding down her arms and climbing over her legs and feet. We sure did!”

Lena Meijer Children’s Garden Events Lena Meijer Children’s Garden activities are included with admission.

Registration not required. Please dress for the weather. All activities take place outdoors.

Fall Family Day Saturday, September 27, 1–4 pm

Interior rendering of the new ice cream parlor in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden building, looking out on the interactive Big Girl Playground, by Tom Otterness.

Celebrate the changing seasons at Fall Family Day in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden! Create your own fall-colored tree in a hands-on art activity, sing along to autumn tunes with a guest musician, join a naturalist for a crisp fall walk, enjoy cozy seasonal story times, and explore even more festive fun for the whole family.

Phase 1 is slated to wrap in spring 2026. Phase 2 will include improvements to the Tree House Village area, Rock Quarry and Log Cabin enhancements, and other exciting upgrades.

Watching families grow up with the Children’s Garden has been the greatest gift of this whimsical space, Warnock notes with a smile. “My son loved playing here when he was a little boy, and he grew into a volunteer. Now, he brings his three girls. My granddaughters love to run around what they fondly call ‘Gaga’s Garden’—nothing means more to me. I’ve been here 29 years and the Children’s Garden is my legacy.”

NOTE: Construction will affect tribute plaque locations. By September 2025, Meijer Gardens will clearly communicate to each family relocation plans for tributes affected in Phase 1. Please contact our Philanthropy Department with questions, at 616-975-3143.

Hallowee-Ones: No Tricks. No Treats. Just Fun! Thursday, October 30, 10 am–12 pm Dress yourself and your child as a character that highlights the Children’s Garden. Come celebrate Halloween with your wee ones, with a host of Halloween-themed activities.

Parade at 10:30 am!

What’s the Scoop?

Looking toward our future, we’re improving amenities to enhance your experience. That’s why plans are underway for an Ice Cream Parlor in the Lena Meijer Children’s Garden. This delightful spot will allow all members and guests to rest and refuel.

Thanks to a generous donor, we have an opportunity to match gifts up to $125,000! Your support will assist us in creating a space for families to make lasting memories. Donate today to double your impact and help ensure the Ice Cream Parlor is a place of joy for years to come! Every gift counts: Please join us in making this sweet addition a reality.

SCAN QR CODE TO DONATE TODAY

Cheers to Our Sponsors We are ever grateful for your generosity.

Celebrating 120 Seasons

PRESENTING SPONSOR

BLOSSOM SPONSOR

It was an anniversary party 30 years in the making—and another night to remember at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.

CHAMPAGNE TOAST SPONSOR Brian & Barbara DeVries

Presented by Northern Trust, Great Gardens Gala proved once again to be a spectacular soirée that embodies our signature blend of art, culture and nature. This elegant evening showcased gourmet cuisine and cocktails from our award-winning Culinary Arts & Events team, complemented by live entertainment and a one-of-a-kind auction of exclusive Meijer Gardens experiences.

BUD SPONSORS William & Laurie Boer J.C. & Tammy Huizenga The Meijer Family Michael Toth Roger & Jakki Vander Laan

SEED SPONSORS Tammy & Howie Bailey Corewell Health Fence Consultants of West Michigan Insignia Homes Landscape Design Services Macatawa Bank Candace & Bruce Matthews MeXo & Chicago Beef Joint Pure Architects Recognizing Joe Becherer and his lasting impact on FMG&SP Rossetti West Side Beer Distributing Williams Kitchen & Bath ROOT SPONSORS AMDG Architects Custer, Inc. DJ’s Landscape Management DK Security Extra Credit Projects Ferris Coffee and Nut Co. Independent Bank Land Collective Ping & Tim Liang Northland Express Transport Progressive Companies Special Occasions

Great Gardens Gala

DISTILLERY SPONSOR Long Road Distillers DECOR SPONSOR Bob VanderWeide & Shelby Norwich WINE SPONSOR Great Lakes Wine & Spirits VALET SPONSOR Ellis Parking Company BEER SPONSOR West Side Beer Distributing ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PROVIDED BY Alpine Events Buddy’s Pizza Event Theory Katerburg VerHage Inc Micandy Gardens PNC Bank Proven Winners® ColorChoice® Shrubs Twin Lakes Nursery

Together, we raised a remarkable $401,750—with $140,500 in support of our Accessibility Initiatives at Meijer Gardens. Through the incredible generosity of our supporters, Meijer Gardens will continue to be a place where we all grow. What a meaningful way to honor the legacy of those instrumental in our blossoming journey, which started in 1995 with Fred and Lena Meijer’s vision.

Again, thank you to those who joined us. We look forward to next year’s event!

Ring in Holiday Cheer at Sparkle!

December 4, 2025 There’s no place for the holidays like Sparkle!, presented by Greenleaf Trust.

Kick off the most magical season of the year by joining us Thursday, December 4, 2025, for a dazzling celebration.

This stellar annual event encompasses an evening of captivating cuisine and festive sounds, set against the backdrop of our most enchanting University of Michigan Health–West: Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibition.

Indulge in a scrumptious strolling dinner and decadent signature drinks from our award-winning Culinary Arts & Events team while taking in an eclectic soundtrack put together by AB is Adrian Butler, a versatile artist and DJ whose curated experiences have earned him five first-place wins in the annual Best of the West Revue Readers Poll.

We can’t wait to put on the Sparkle!

Find more information on securing sponsorships and tickets at: MeijerGardens.org/Sparkle Contact Fundraising Events Manager Maggie Scogg at 616-287-1950 or mscogg@meijergardens.org with your Sparkle! questions.

PRESENTING SPONSOR

Left and right page:

Abby Fox Photography

Dale Chihuly. Champagne Gardens Chandelier, 2003. Glass. 169 x 102 x 93 inches.

Gift of Jack. H. Miller and Fred and Lena Meijer. © 2003 Dale Chihuly.

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Quarterly Tributes IN HONOR

IN MEMORY

Roger and Willa Bauer Kenneth and Kristin Bauer

Richard Adams David Adams Theresa and Mark O’Leary

Rudy Berger Bonnie and Courtney Biggs

Betty Boomer Robert Boomer

Thomas F. Charles Amy L Charles

Linda Boyer Cindy and Bob Long

Taylor and Chase Cooley Susan and Stephen Bishop

Molly Irwin Charles Amy L Charles

Renee Gauri Andre and Kristen Gauri

David Czarnopys Meyer May House

Linda Gidley Laura Beebe

Willem Gossens Van Zeeland Manufacturing, Inc.

Elaine Harper Katherine and Dan Hawkins

Nancy Hoovler Mary Phillips

Carole Heydenburg Anonymous

Ruth Kamps Timothy and Kristyn Kamps

Edward Stanfield Hilton Anonymous Emerson Hodge Truclam Nguyen Declan Snellink Jana Sathre Anne Zanger Anonymous

Brian Langlois Scott and Allison Langlois Betty Luna Rebecca West Gerald Massey Stephane and David Lubin Jack H. Miller Mark and Dawn DeWitt

Delores Mulder Mary Harris Audrey and Fred Nietering Nietering, Stefan, and Swift Families Gary Noble Lisa Knoll Martin and Enid Packard Eddi Wolk and Leonard Wolk Dorris Paille and Dianne Hu Jan Borowicz Colleen Reber Anonymous Terri Savoie Anonymous Karen Adado Thomas Brill Randolph Fiedler Beth Godleski James Hardy Melissa Hofer Lawrence Kuellmer Gerald and Marjorie LaBreck Lena Meijer Children’s Garden Staff and Volunteers Mona Lombardi Brian Martin Casey Massaro Jennifer Meissner Neda Miyashiro Debbie Rooney Patricia Short

Each tribute made in honor or memory also recognizes Meijer Gardens as a meaningful place in our community. Please visit MeijerGardens.org/donate to learn more about these opportunities or to contribute to our annual fund.

These gifts were received between March 1 and May 31, 2025. Those honored or memorialized are listed in bold type, while donors are in regular type.

A. Joseph Kinkel. Fred and Lena, 2004. Bronze, 48 x 90 x 35 inches. Anonymous gift.

Rebecca Timm Christopher Tremper Susan Tweddale Kathleen Wilson Doris Skarnulis Laura Keilman Alice Skranz Karl Florida William Florida Ken Nietering and Nancy Nietering Swift Nietering, Stefan, and Swift Families

a growing legacy

Looking Back Graeme Warnock joins Lena and Fred Meijer at the opening of Michigan’s Farm Garden, May 17, 2003.

October 24, 2025–March 15, 2026

CONTACT

@MeijerGardens #MeijerGardens

HOURS Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday-Saturday

where we all grow™ We value your input! Respond to our content or submit your own to hello@meijergardens.org. Seasons is produced quarterly and mailed to Meijer Gardens members. If you prefer to receive your copy digitally, contact Membership at 616-977-7689 or membership@meijergardens.org.

MeijerGardens.org hello@meijergardens.org P 616-957-1580 TF 888-957-1580

Member Early Hours, first full weekend of each month: Saturday 8–9 am | Sunday 9–11 am. The DeVos-Keeler Gift Shop, James & Shirley Balk Café and Peter M. Wege Library open at regular hours. Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day. Hours may change seasonally or during special exhibitions. Visit MeijerGardens.org for details.

Meijer Gardens is a proud member of Museums for All. Show your EBT/WIC card for a reduced admission of $2 per person for up to four people.

11 am–5 pm 9 am–5 pm 9 am–9 pm 9 am–5 pm

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

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

The paper this publication is printed on contains fiber from certified, responsibly managed forests. It was produced using certified renewable energy, includes a minimum of 10% recycled fiber and is printed locally with soy-based ink.

Gasull Fotografia © Plensa Studio Barcelona

Carlota (Oak), 2019. Bronze, Edition of 5. 276 x 76 x 96 cm.

1000 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Jaume Plensa: A New Humanism