ANN ARBOR—Recent work along Dixboro Road has opened the door for the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens to create a new entrance for visitors.

The first phase of the re-construction actually began about four years ago with the removal of barbed wire that topped the Gardens’ perimeter fence running along Dixboro Road. “While the original fence remains an eyesore,” says Mike Hommel, superintendent of the Gardens, “it is at least an eyesore not highlighted with barbed wire, an improvement by any standard.”

In conjunction with paving and culvert projects scheduled on Dixboro Road by the Washtenaw County Road Commission, the second phase of the entrance project for the Gardens involves clearing and grading the drainage ditches on either side of the main entrance. This work will offer travelers along the roadway a clear line of sight into the Gardens.

“This line of sight will include a long neglected crabapple collection that will be refurbished and presented within a newly established area of turf,” says Hommel. “The clearing and maintenance of these ditches, combined with a new line of maintained turf, will create a physical as well as visual link to the surrounding community that is growing so quickly along the Dixboro Road corridor.”

The third, and most challenging phase of the work, according to Hommel, will be the planning and establishment of ornamental plant material that must meet the demanding criteria defined by the site. “The gravel and sand glacial till that constitutes the defines a plant palette of drought resistant materials,” says Hommel. “This plant material must not be appetizing in the least to the deer population that has grown significantly on the Gardens’ property because surrounding development has eliminated much of their previous habitat.”

Hommel hopes that the new plantings will serve as a successful demonstration for homeowners who face similar situations. Plans call for an initial planting of nearly 7,000 daffodils working up to about 30,000. Seasonal mums will be added this fall. A drought tolerant combination of fescue and perennial rye has been hydro-seeded and awaits cooperation from the weather for germination.

The final phase of the work will include fencing, signs and other architectural elements included in the update of the Gardens’ Master Plan. “Once the design parameters are established to create a consistent image throughout the Gardens property,” says Hommel, “we will be able to move forward on improved signs, gates and fences that will create a physical manifestation of our commitment to public service and outreach.”

Located on Dixboro Road between Plymouth and Geddes roads, the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and its trails is open daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Admission is free. The Conservatory and Gardens Gift Shop are open 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily. Admission to the Conservatory is $2 adults and $1 students (K-12). Free public admission to the Conservatory is offered Saturdays and Mondays 10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Gardens is closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.