2026 GREAT LAKES, GREAT PLANTS

Presented by The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park

September 24–26, 2026 | Traverse City, MI

The Great Lakes, Great Plants returns this fall with a fresh lineup of lectures, tours, and immersive experiences celebrating horticulture, design, and the natural beauty of Northern Michigan. Designed for professionals and plant lovers alike, this three-day event includes inspiring talks, a rare plant auction, guided garden tours, and exclusive bonus experiences.

This year’s programming focuses on Defining the Modern Midwest Landscape, Treecycling, and The Wildland Garden, offering practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and plenty of inspiration.

The event is proudly sponsored by the and hosted by , located in the heart of Traverse City.

Early Bird (until August 24):

• $199 – Both Days, Members (Botanic Garden or MNLA)
• $225 – Both Days, Non-Members
• $169 – Day 1 Only
• $125 – Dinner & Auction Only

Regular Pricing (after August 24):

• $225 – Both Days, Members (Botanic Garden or MNLA)
• $249 – Both Days, Non-Members
• $199 – Day 1 Only
• $150 – Dinner & Auction Only

Not a Botanic Garden member yet? Learn more here!

Reserve a VIP Table and enjoy premium perks!

Price: $2,000 for full table

Includes:

• 8 full Great Lakes Great Plants registrations
• All events (minus boat ride) for all 3 days
• A curated trio of plants for each guest
• Recognition in the event program and digital promotions

To sponsor, select the VIP Table option when purchasing tickets on Eventbrite or call The Botanic Garden at (231) 935-4077.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – DAY 1: LECTURES & DINNER

Join us at The Botanic Garden for a full day of expert-led lectures and garden exploration, followed by a celebratory dinner and rare plant auction.

Morning & Afternoon Lectures:

• 9:00 AM – Welcome to Great Lakes Great Plants
• 9:30 AM – Nick McCullough
• 10:45 AM – Erin Presley
• 1:30 PM – Matthew Ross & Brian Zimmerman
• 2:45 PM – Tim Boland

Evening Events:

• 5:30 PM – Silent Auction Opens
• 6:00 PM – Cocktails & Networking
• 6:30 PM – Dinner & Dessert Served
• 7:30 PM – Silent Auction Closes & Live Auction Begins

Silent Auction

As part of the evening's festivities there will be a selection of curated rare, unusual, and stunning plants up for the bidding. Each specimen has a pair, and the second plant will go into the permanent collection at The Botanic Garden. The bidding opens at 5:30 PM and runs until 7:30 PM. Winning bids will be announced at the end of the Live Auction.

Live Auction

You won't want to miss your chance to bid on the coolest and most unsual groupings of plants in Northern Michigan. From rare trees to instant meadows, there are a plethora of plants with fun and entertainment too.

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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 – DAY 2: GARDEN & NATURAL AREA TOURS

Hop aboard the tour bus for a day-long exploration of inspiring gardens and landscapes across Northwest Michigan.

• 8:30 AM – Check-in & Overview
• 9:00 AM – Depart from The Botanic Garden
• 9:00–3:00 PM – Tours of four curated locations with lunch included
• 4:00 PM – Return to The Botanic Garden - approx time

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 - POST-CONFERENCE EXPERIENCES

Optional add-ons to extend your learning and enjoyment.

9:00–11:00 AM – Field Botany Walk with Matthew Ross

Explore the region’s natural landscapes in a guided walk designed for early risers. Limited to 40 participants. Location to be announced. Transportation not provided. $20 - separate registration required. GLGP attendees only.

12:00–2:00 PM – Nursery Open House at Four Season Nursery

Free for registered attendees! Enjoy behind-the-scenes tours, light refreshments, and expert insights from Brian Zimmerman and team. Free - separate registration required. Symposium attendees only.

6:30–9:00 PM – Sail with the Speakers

Set sail on West Grand Traverse Bay for a magical evening on the water with symposium speakers. Enjoy wine, refreshments, and a champagne toast as you cruise beneath the stars. Limited to 8 participants. $200 – separate registration required. GLGP attendees only.

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Call The Botanic Garden at (231) 935-4077 or visit www.thebotanicgarden.org

We can’t wait to welcome you for a vibrant and inspiring few days in the heart of Northern Michigan!

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Session: Defining the Modern Midwest Landscape

Nick McCullough, Author and Horticulturist

Having traveled the United States to find the essence of the top residential gardens in the country to develop American Roots, Nick McCullough will share his reflections on how the Midwest Landscape has changed. From gravel gardens that will inspire you, to breathtaking vistas, and modern homes you won't believe could exist in the Great Lakes. Having created one of the nation's premiere residential gardens and design firms in out of an Ohio farmhouse, Nick is widely known as one of the most influential voices in modern landscape design. Dive deep into his own designs where the clean modern aesthetic blends formality with function and take-home tips and techniques to infuse into your own home landscape.

Author of American Roots, the quintessential collection of the nation's top gardens designed by professional gardeners, Nick has given the American Landscape a voice. HIs intrepid traveling adventures and world class photography combine to inspire the next generation of gardeners seeking a way to blend modern aesthetics with a deep passion for a diverse plant palette. In addition to being an incredible author and storyteller, Nick is an award-winning landscape designer and one of the most followed influencers on social media.

Session: Treecycling: Funky and Functional Ways to Conserve Woody Debris for a Healthier Garden Ecosystem

Erin Presley, Horticulturist at Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Erin Presley has been a boots-on-the-ground professional gardener for over 20 years. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Horticulture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she gardened for a decade in the private sector before joining the staff at Olbrich Botanical Gardens, where she manages the Herb, Woodland, and Pond Gardens. Her interests include native woodland plantings, sedges, low-maintenance and drought-tolerant gardening styles, recycling woody debris, and all things related to herbs and vegetables. As the 2021 inagural winner of the American Public Gardens Association's Future Leaders award, she is never shy when it comes to sharing the love of gardening, with appearances on the nationally syndicated podcast Cultivating Place and The Plantastic Podcast with Dr. Jared Barnes, Wisconsin Public Radio's Garden Talk and contributions to many print and online horticulture publications.

Session: The Wildland Garden

Tim Boland, Polly Hill Arboretum

Botanist Tim Boland and his wife, horticulturist Laura Coit, began their garden experimentation on Martha’s Vineyard in 2002. The setting is a one-acre plot adjacent to a 5,300-acre State Forest. Facing the challenges of hordes of deer, low-fertility soils, and frequent droughts, now, over 20 years later, their garden reflects their pioneering spirit in designing a home garden that is a savvy mix of Island and North American native plants, most grown from seed. Please join Tim as he reflects on both the successes and challenges of growing a resilient and beautiful island garden.

Tim Boland is Director Emeritus of the Polly Hill Arboretum on the Island of Martha’s Vineyard. For the past 20 years, he has guided programs in education, plant conservation, and the development of a modern flora for Martha’s Vineyard. In 2006, Tim started the MV Wildtype native plant production program, which uses locally grown plants for restoration projects or for homeowners hoping to create or enhance their gardens with native plants. Tim is a native Michigander who earned degrees in Horticulture and Botany from Michigan State University.

Session: Old School Meets New School

Matthew Ross, Horticulturist and Executive Director of The Botanic Garden

Brian Zimmerman, Owner, Four Season Nursery

Trends in gardening tend to be cyclical, and we often see plants that once were popular make a resurgence due to increased interest and development.

You don't have to find a Delorian to go back in time to revisit some of your favorite plants of the past that may find their way back into your local nursery as Brian Zimmerman of Four Season Nursery shares some of his old school favorites.

Couple with the fan favorites of the 80's and 90's, explore what's on the horizon as Matthew Ross, Executive Director of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park shares insight into what plants are at the cutting edge and about to go viral. This interactive lecture pairs two of our region's garden pros in a dynamic co-lecture that you won't want to miss.

Matthew Ross is a trained horticulturist and Executive Director of The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park. He has a background in public garden leadership, landscape design, and has contributed to several award-winning exhibits at the Philadelphia Flower Show.

Brian Zimmerman is a third-generation nursery owner of Four Season Nursery in Traverse City. With a deep knowledge of soil biology and native plants, Brian is passionate about reconnecting landscapes with nature through thoughtful design and ecological awareness.