Michigan Runners Clear Upjohn Peony Garden for Winter

The University of Michigan cross country teams removed seasonal foliage to protect the historic site.

Updated on Oct. 24, 2026 in Botany

Gouache-painted illustration of pruned peony stems and autumn leaves, conveying the seasonal maintenance of a historic garden. — University of Michigan cross country team members cleared seasonal peony foliage at the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden to prepare for winter dormancy. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

University of Michigan cross country runners recently cleared foliage from the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden in Ann Arbor. The hour-long effort prepares the historic plants for their winter dormancy period.

Why it matters

Removing foliage helps maintain the health of the nearly 800 historic plants by reducing the spread of disease. This seasonal maintenance ensures the garden remains viable for its spring and summer blooming cycles.

The cleanup of the 800 historic peony plants took approximately one hour to complete. The site contains 10,000 flowers that reach peak bloom annually in May and June.

The players

W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden

This historic garden is located within the Nichols Arboretum and is maintained for its extensive collection of peony plants.

University of Michigan

This major public research university in Ann Arbor facilitates the maintenance of the gardens and supports its athletic programs.

The details

Runners cut down and cleared the peony foliage before collecting the debris for transport by truck. This annual intervention is vital for the health of the collection located within the Nichols Arboretum.

Sunday, October 18, 2026: The cross country teams conducted the garden cleanup.
May and June: Peonies reach peak bloom and attract visitors.
1970s: Mike McGuire began running through the Arboretum.

The Big Picture

The manual clearing of the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden follows the established annual Nichols Arboretum plant conservation protocols. This practice serves as a critical paradigm for managing historic botanical collections through seasonal human intervention.

The removal of dead foliage allows for better airflow around the base of the plants, which could lead to improved floral yields in the spring. Residents can expect the garden to be ready for visitors during the next peak bloom cycle in late spring.

The takeaway

Proper seasonal cleanup is essential for preventing the buildup of pathogens that can persist in dead plant material over the winter. Gardeners should consider pruning their own perennials once the first hard frosts arrive to ensure healthy growth in the following season.