This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum was vandalized Saturday night, according to a statement posted on Instagram and Facebook by MBGNA director Tony Kolenic. At approximately 6:14 a.m. this morning, MBGNA reported to the University’s Division of Public Safety and Security that about 250 peony plants, one-third of the 800 peonies in the garden, had most of their flowers cut off. Thousands of flowers were left on the ground and about 100 paper signs were spread throughout the area.
In his statement, Kolenic wrote the vandalization was disrespectful to both the garden and the broader community.
“As someone who has spent my career working in environmental justice, I believe deeply in the healing power of nature and in our responsibility to protect and care for it,” Kolenic wrote. “What happened here was an act of disregard not just for the garden, but for the community that cherishes it, even for life itself.”
In an email to The Michigan Daily, Melissa Overton, deputy chief of police for DPSS, wrote that about 100 paper signs were scattered across the garden. An image included in the email shows one such sign, which is titled “PLANT LIVES DON’T MATTER. HUMAN LIVES DO.” The sign, which has no author, discusses Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza.
“Since October 7th, 2023, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 100,000 injured,” the sign read. “They are still dying and starving right now, as you stroll around in the arboretum and enjoy your picnic.”
In her email, Overton wrote no suspects have been identified at this time.
“No group or organization name was identified or otherwise has taken credit for this incident,” Overton wrote. “DPSS is actively investigating this criminal incident and is committed to holding those responsible accountable for their actions.”
In an email to The Daily, University spokesperson Kay Jarvis wrote the community should engage in conversation instead of vandalism.
“Damaging a beloved community space intended to foster reflection and bring hope to the whole community is counter productive,” Jarvis wrote. “We urge all community members to channel their voices through constructive and meaningful dialogue.”
The Michigan Daily News Staff can be reached at news@michigandaily.com.
