Michigan Gardens
Are Truly Spectacular On
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, Michigan gardens are absolutely beautiful because of their vivid colors, interesting shapes and gorgeous textures. Due to Michigan's temperate climate the summer growing season is long and just the right warmth to grow spectacular gardens. What are especially helpful are the long northern Michigan days that provide plenty of sunshine for the growing period. Michigan's cold winters provide a good period of dormancy which helps plants survive and thrive.
Rainfall is fairly predictable on Mackinac Island and the soil supports many varieties of annuals and perennials. Of course, the abundant "free" horse manure helps alot too. The love of gardening definitely shows all around the island with residents and shop owners creating mini-microclimates in their Michigan gardens.
Microclimates are small areas that are warmer or colder than the actual natural gardening area. With all the buildings, houses, fences, trees and other large structures around the Island you will find mini-gardens in surprising places. Mackinac Island gardeners know flowers so well they can plant out-of-zone plants successfully. So, keep your eyes open and you may find a surprise in these beautiful Mackinac Island, Michigan gardens.
One fun garden for young and old is the "Find It Garden" on French Lane. It has become a Mackinac Island spring tradition to wait and see where the owner hides all the items in his beautiful garden.
It's also enjoyable to watch people (especially children) searching for the items from across the fence...in fact, Kathy can't seem to find the scull this year! So if you find it let her know where to look!
To find this garden walk past Sheplers Ferry dock towards the bridge and French Lane is just before the Windermere Hotel. You can reach it from Market Street too.
The Grand Hotel 's Gardens...
can be seen down in a small valley on the road leading to its famous front porch.
But if you follow the path to your left that's just before the big hill and go pass the tennis courts you will find yourself on a tree covered canopy pathway leading you into the Grand Hotel's exquisite garden. Not many people know about this path...so keep it a secret! Shhh!
Most of the Bed and Breakfast Inns and small hotels such as the Cloghuan Bed and Breakfast welcome people to come into their yards to explore and enjoy the flowers.
You might want to stop in to pick up information about a future stay to truly enjoy these remarkable Mackinac Island, Michigan gardens.
Insider Tip: If you are inspired to become a gardener after visiting Mackinac Island you will want to visit this
wonderful Michigan gardens website that
will help you become a master gardener.
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