2026 GREAT LAKES, GREAT PLANTS
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2026 GREAT LAKES, GREAT PLANTS

Sep

24

September 24–26, 2026

The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park, 🇺🇸

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About This Event

2026 Great Lakes, Great Plants is Northern Michigan’s premier horticultural event and fundraiser, taking place from Thursday, September 24 to Saturday, September 26, 2026, at The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park in Traverse City, MI.

What to Expect

  • A fresh lineup of lectures, tours, and immersive experiences celebrating horticulture, design, and the natural beauty of Northern Michigan
  • Inspiring talks on ‘Defining the Modern Midwest Landscape,’ ‘Treecycling,’ and ‘The Wildland Garden’
  • A rare plant auction and guided garden tours
  • Exclusive bonus experiences and opportunities for networking
  • Practical knowledge, innovative ideas, and plenty of inspiration from expert speakers

Who Should Attend

This event is designed for both professionals and plant lovers, offering valuable insights and experiences for all skill levels.

Practical Information

Early bird registration is available until August 24. Member prices start at $199 for both days, while non-members can attend for $225. Day 1 only tickets are $169, and dinner & auction only tickets are $125. Regular pricing applies after August 24, with both-day tickets for members at $225 and non-members at $249. Day 1 only tickets are $199, and dinner & auction only tickets are $150. Optional add-ons, such as the Field Botany Walk ($20) and Sail with the Speakers ($200), require separate registration.

Programme

  • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24 – DAY 1: LECTURES & DINNER
    • 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
  • FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 25 – DAY 2: GARDEN & NATURAL AREA TOURS
    • 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
  • SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 - POST-CONFERENCE EXPERIENCES (Optional add-ons)
    • 9:00–11:00 AM – Field Botany Walk with Matthew Ross ($20, separate registration required)
    • 12:00–2:00 PM – Nursery Open House at Four Season Nursery (Free, separate registration required)
    • 6:30–9:00 PM – Sail with the Speakers ($200, separate registration required)

Topics

horticulture landscape design native plants garden tours plant conservation