Hidden Lake Gardens : Events
MAY
Hidden Lake Gardens Annual Plant Sale
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | 10 AM - 2 PM
Open to the Public: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Introduction to Alternative Lawns
Tuesday, May 12, 2026 | 2:00 PM
Whether you’re motivated by saving time and money, reducing your ecological footprint, or reconnecting with nature in your yard, it's time to rethink your lawn. Learn why lawns are not at all eco-friendly and discover alternatives to turfgrass like no-mow grass and pollinator-friendly bee lawns. Preparation, planting, and maintenance will be discussed.
Presented by Lee Walsh, an Advanced Master Gardener and Master Rain Gardener, based in Tecumseh, Michigan. She has expertise in native plants that support native pollinators and birds and is passionate about teaching others to garden with biodiversity in mind. She is also a board member of ReTree Tecumseh, a grassroots organization that plants trees on public property in the city (since 2019, ReTree has planted 333 new trees, with 75 more planned.
Presentation is open to the public with no pre-registration required. Regular admission or HLG membership required for entry. An additional $5 fee for the presentation will be collected at the door, cash or check only. Sponsored by the Hidden Lake Gardeners Club.
Friday After Five
Friday, May 22, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
This extended-hours evening is the second offering in the new Friday After Five series, during which Hidden Lake Gardens will stay open until 7:00 PM on one Friday each month through October. Each date will feature a unique educational program from 5:30–6:30 p.m. More dates and monthly topics can be found on the Friday After Five page.
JUNE
ACA Exhibit: Light and Form, VanBenschoten Retrospective
June 1 - July 19, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Shirley and Bryan VanBenschoten were instrumental in the establishment of the Adrian Center for the Arts, lending their vision and dedication to transform Studio One from a former office building into a thriving creative space. As president of the Lenawee Council for the Visual Arts (LCVA), Shirley helped guide the organization from having no physical home to a growing arts community with 55 acres and six buildings.
Following her passing this past year, the LCVA honors Shirley’s legacy with this special exhibition, featuring a selection of her paintings alongside Bryan’s ceramic works—celebrating two artists whose impact continues to shape the region’s creative landscape. Learn more on our Art Exhibitions page.
Dates & Hours:
Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Gallery of the Visitors Center
Closed on Mondays
New World Orchid Expo
June 20 & 21, 2026
Celebrate the beauty and diversity of one of the world’s most captivating plant families during this special two‑day orchid event at Hidden Lake Gardens. Visitors are invited to explore stunning orchids from around the globe, showcased on display in our Tropical Dome, where dramatic blooms and delicate miniatures highlight the remarkable variety of this ancient plant group.
In addition to the displays, New World Orchid owner and orchid expert, Dr. Kristen Ulthus, will be stationed in the Conservatory lobby, offering a selection of orchids for sale and sharing her expertise. Guests are encouraged to stop by with questions about orchid growing, care, and selecting the right plant for their home.
Whether you’re an experienced orchid enthusiast or simply curious, this event offers an inspiring and approachable introduction to orchids and the art of their cultivation. Included with regular admission; HLG members are free. Find more details on the New World Orchid Exhibition page.
Summer Stroll
June 24, 2026 | 1:00 - 4:00 PM
Friday After Five
Friday, June 26, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
JULY
Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up
Monday, July 20, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult
Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves.
Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection.
Friday After Five
Friday, July 24, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
ACA Exhibit: CompARTments
July 21 - September 27, 2026 | 10:00 - 4:00 PM
Explore the inventive world of assemblage art, where ACA artists transform found objects into three‑dimensional works of imagination. Inspired by pioneers like Joseph Cornell, Louise Nevelson, and Betye Saar, artists reimagine cast‑off boxes—metal, wood, plastic, clay, and more—by creating artworks in, on, and around these everyday forms.
CompARTments invites visitors to discover how ordinary materials gain new meaning when placed in the hands of artists who see potential in the overlooked and beauty in the unexpected. Learn more on our Art Exhibitions page.
Dates & Hours:
Open Tuesdays through Sundays, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. in the Gallery of the Visitors Center
Closed on Mondays
Friday After Five
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
SEPTEMBER
RUN FOR THE HILLS! 5K and 1 Mile Run / Walk
Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Start Time = 8:00 AM
The most scenic and hilliest course in southeast Michigan! Come enjoy a beautiful fall morning at Hidden Lake Gardens for the 16th Annual RUN FOR THE HILLS! 1 Mile & 5K Run or Walk along paved roads. Proceeds from the race will benefit Hidden Lake Gardens and Oh These Irish Hills! organization.
Find all the details and register by visiting our Run for the Hills! page.
Friday After Five
Friday, September 25, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Adopt-a-Highway Clean-up
Thursday, September 27, 2026 | 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult
Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves.
Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection.
OCTOBER
Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition
October 17 & 18, 2026
Experience the inaugural Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition at Hidden Lake Gardens, presented in partnership with the North American Bonsai Federation (NABF). This special event will showcase outstanding bonsai from across the region, highlighting the beauty of fall color and fruiting varieties.
Guests will enjoy a curated exhibition featuring exceptional trees selected through a juried application process, celebrating both artistry and horticultural excellence. In addition to the displays, the event will include an opening ribbon-cutting ceremony, VIP reception, tea ceremony, educational presentations, on‑site vendors, auction, food and beverage offerings, and more.
Whether you're a lifelong bonsai artist or simply appreciate the craft, this exhibition invites you to explore the diverse styles, colors, and creativity that define fall fruiting and foliage bonsai.
Bonsai artists are invited to apply to have their work considered for display in the exhibition. The NABF aims to present the finest fall fruiting and/or fall‑color bonsai in North America, and applicants may submit up to two bonsai for juried review.
This is a wonderful opportunity for bonsai practitioners to share their artistry, connect with fellow enthusiasts, and be part of a signature new event at Hidden Lake Gardens.
Learn more at our Fall Fruit & Foliage Bonsai Exhibition page.
Friday After Five
Friday, October 23, 2026 | 5:00 - 7:00 PM
