Hidden Lake Gardens : Events

Discover practical techniques to make gardening more efficient, enjoyable, and sustainable! In this engaging presentation with Jeanne Matthews, you'll learn time-saving tips, ergonomic tools, and smart strategies to reduce strain while maximizing results. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned gardener, you'll walk away with insights on gardening practices using body mechanics and joint protection techniques that will help you achieve a thriving garden with less effort. Work smarter, not harder—so you can spend more time enjoying your garden! Sponsored by the Hidden Lake Gardeners Club and FREE to the public.

Join the Friends of Hidden Lake Gardens in helping to keep our community clean and beautiful! Volunteers are needed to assist with picking up litter along the M-50 corridor that fronts Hidden Lake Gardens. This is a great way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and make a positive impact on the environment.

Who Can Participate?:

• Anyone 12 years of age or older
• Children 12-17 must be accompanied by an adult

What to Expect:

• No experience necessary – all supplies are provided
• Dress for the weather, including closed-toe shoes/boots and work gloves
• Pants and long sleeves are highly recommended for protection

Meet in the main parking lot, come lend a hand, enjoy the fresh air, and help keep Hidden Lake Gardens’ surroundings looking their best!

Join us in celebrating Earth Day with a special Tree Planting Ceremony at Hidden Lake Gardens! Learn about the vital role trees play in our environment, from improving air quality to supporting wildlife and combating climate change.

During this event, local scouts will take part in planting a variety of native trees and shrubs near the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk, symbolizing growth, sustainability, and a greener future. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a community supporter, or just looking for a meaningful way to honor Earth Day, this is a wonderful opportunity to connect with the natural world.

FREE admission for all attendees and sponsored by the Tecumseh District Library.

Upon entry, follow the signs to the Sky Walk and park in the Trailhead parking lot. Meet at the Sky Walk.

For more information, visit hiddenlakegardens.msu.edu or call 517-431-2060.

Come plant a tree, learn, and celebrate Earth Day with us!

Save the Date for Our Annual Plant Sale! 

Join us for a one-day-only event at Hidden Lake Gardens, featuring a wide selection of plants including annuals, perennials, woody plants, dwarf conifers, succulents, vegetable plants, and herbs.

Special Member Preview: 9:00–10:00 a.m. (Cardholding members only—no guests, please)
Open to the Public: 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. or until sold out

Highlights:

• Limited supply of pine needle bales for mulching
• Specially curated selections from Hidden Lake Gardens
• Inventory list of most selections will be available closer to the date of sale (subject to change)

Payment accepted via cash, check, or credit card. Plan to shop early for the best selection—popular varieties may sell out quickly!

Join us at Hidden Lake Gardens for a summer celebration of bonsai! Whether you're an artist, enthusiast, or just curious, come explore the art form that combines distinct discipline, persistence and quiet contemplation.

Event Highlights:

• Bonsai exhibition featuring trees from Michigan and beyond
• Vendors offering a wide variety of bonsai essentials
• Live demonstrations by highly skilled bonsai artists
• Introductory workshops (pre-registration required once available)

Mark your calendar for this unique experience, all activities included with your regular admission to Hidden Lake Gardens with the exception of the bonsai workshops. Workshop participants enjoy FREE admission to HLG on the day of the event!

The most scenic and hilliest course in Southeast Michigan!

Join us for a beautiful fall morning at Hidden Lake Gardens for the 14th Annual Run for the Hills on our stunning paved trails! Choose between a 1 mile walk or 5K run / walk through scenic hills and vibrant autumn views.

All participants receive a T-shirt, a participation medal, and admission to Hidden Lake Gardens—including the Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk!

Registration for the 2025 race will be available soon. Don’t miss this chance to combine fitness and nature’s beauty! 

Join us for a magical evening as you follow a glowing trail of luminaries through Hidden Lake Gardens, from the Visitors Center to the Sky Walk, and back to the Conservatory to explore the beauty of light and shadow in nature. Plus, all Conservatory biomes will be open for you to explore, and refreshments will be available for purchase inside the Visitors Center.

Bring your flame-free lanterns or flashlights to light your path through our peaceful forest. Our Daffodil Gift Shop will also be open from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m., stocked with flashlights and more!

Only pre-registered guests will be permitted entry on these evenings—don't wait to claim your spot! Tickets will NOT be available to purchase the night of the event. Pre-registered participants must arrive by 7:00 p.m., entry will not be permitted after this time. Learn more and register at Under the Silver Moon.

6214 Monroe Road (M-50)

Tipton, MI 49287

517-431-2060

hlg@msu.edu