Spring Bulb Show opens at Hidden Lake Gardens Saturday

Two years ago the start of the annual Spring Flower Bulb Show at Michigan State University’s Hidden Lake Gardens was thwarted due to shutdowns across the state, but Saturday, March 12 will mark the beginning of a return to normalcy at HLG. According to Managing Director Paul Pfeifer, as of March 6 masks are no longer required for indoor activities and meetings at Hidden Lake Gardens and will not be required in the conservatory during the Spring Flower Bulb Show.

To prepare for the show, staff and volunteers potted 8,750 spring flowering bulbs, including 3,000 daffodils, 2,750 tulips, 1,250 hyacinths, and 1,750 muscari. The process started with planting the tulip bulbs on November 11, followed by the daffodils on November 19 and the hyacinths and muscari on December 3.

After wintering in cold frames, HLG staff began bringing the pots containing the bulbs into the greenhouses to begin sprouting. Formerly led by Conservatory Manager Diane Faust, who retired in March 2021, efforts to prepare for this year’s Spring Flower Bulb Show has been a staff committee effort of Olivia Herrera, Carolyn Karras, Stacy Lewandowski, Donna Shomo, and Pfeifer.

“Most of the flowering bulbs and other spring flowering plants will be displayed in the Temperate House, however, there will be spring flowers noticeable throughout the entire conservatory complex,” said Pfeifer. “Other spring flowers that will be on display include African violet, amaryllis, azalea, calla lily, Gerbera daisy, hybrid lily, hydrangea, kalanchoe, primrose, and ranunculus.”

The Spring Flower Bulb Show will run through March 27. Hidden Lake Gardens is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., with the conservatory open from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. The weekend of the Spring Flower Bulb Show is also the start of Daylight Saving Time, and HLG’s open hours will change to 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday, with the conservatory and the Spring Bulb Show accessible from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission to the Spring Flower Bulb Show is included with a paid entry fee to the gardens, which is $5, and is free for members of HLG.

In other news at the gardens, Krieghoff-Lenawee will begin setting up the construction and staging areas for the Tree Canopy Walk the week of March 14. There will be days and times when portions of the Hikers Trail, the trail head parking lot, and Woodland Drive will not be accessible to visitors, and there will be signage to direct visitors and construction traffic accordingly.  

“We thank our members and visitors in advance for their cooperation and patience during this very exciting time at HLG,” Pfeifer said.

The annual Hidden Lake Gardens Plant Sale will take place Saturday, June 18, in conjunction with the Michigan Hosta Society Leaf Show and Hosta Sale taking place there at the same time. This will be the first time the Michigan Hosta Society will conduct its Leaf Show and Hosta Sale at HLG.

Pfeifer said they are currently seeking volunteers to work in the gatehouse. Those interested may call 431.2060 or email hlg@msu.edu. Starting in April, HLG will also have volunteer opportunities in the gift shop, visitors center, conservatory, gardens, and plant collections. 

For more information, visit Hidden Lake Gardens on Facebook or canr.msu.edu/hiddenlakegardens.