Winter Celebration: Beauty is Therapy
February 7, 2027 @ 3:00 pm - 5:00 pm
$25
A scene of Victorian elegance, waves swirling in a reflecting pool, undulating rows of tropical plants, and cows grazing in the distant pastoral landscape. This may not be what you imagine on the grounds of The Northern Michigan Asylum at the end of the 1800’s. This was the vision of a young psychiatrist with a passion for horticulture, James Decker Munson. From its roots as a sanctuary at the turn of the century to its new life as a botanic garden, explore the design and feature gardens of this 27-acre botanical garden that reflect the philosophy that Beauty is Therapy. With a strong emphasis on native plants and environmentally functional selection, the cultivation of the once abandoned Northern Michigan Asylum is a testament to the power of plants to build community and enrich lives.
$25 registration includes lecture and robust hors d’oeuvres. Bring cash to enjoy our cash bar. This event is sponsored by the Associates of the Scott Arboretum & Gardens.
Event schedule:
3:00 pm – Lecture
4:00 pm – Reception with hors d’oeuvres and cash bar
After the lecture, mix and mingle with the speaker during the reception.
For an easy dinner, make a reservation at the Broad Table Tavern. Members of the Scott Associates receive a 15% discount at the Broad Table Tavern (discount not valid on alcoholic beverages).
Presenter:
Matthew Ross
Executive Director The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
Matthew Ross is the executive director of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City Michigan. He oversees the 27-acre Botanical Garden which was founded by visionaries Kurt and Karen Schmidt and a team of volunteers on the site of the Northern Michigan Asylum Farm. Prior to coming home to Michigan, Matthew was the Director of Continuing Education at Longwood Gardens, a college instructor at Owens Community College, and chief Horticulturist at Toledo Botanic Garden. He is a proud graduate of Michigan State University where he received a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Horticultural Science with an emphasis on Landscape Design Construction Management and Urban Forestry respectively. He is a well-respected public garden professional that spends his spare time kayaking, hiking, and exploring gardens around the world.
About ACCESS: Scott Arboretum & Gardens proudly participates in the Art-Reach ACCESS program. Pennsylvania ACCESS/EBT cardholders, and Art-Reach ACCESS cardholders may receive $2 tickets for the cardholder and up to 3 guests. This discount may not be valid for special events or sold out events, or combined with other discount offers. Visitors must show their ACCESS card and valid photo ID on the day of the program. For more information about the ACCESS program, please visit art-reach.org/access.
