University of Michigan runners blitz campus peony garden, preparing hundreds of plants for winter

Each autumn, University of Michigan's cross country runners undertake a labor of love to prepare the historic W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden for winter. The garden, home to hundreds of historic cultivated peony varieties, is a renowned attraction for campus visitors in the spring. The runners volunteer their time to cut down the foliage and clear out the garden, ensuring the delicate perennials can flourish in the following season.

This annual cleanup not only prepares the plants for dormancy but also helps prevent disease carryover, protecting their vitality. The task, a testament to teamwork and camaraderie, is a cherished tradition for both the runners and the horticulturists at the Ann Arbor school's Nichols Arboretum.