Spring inside the conservatory at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens means beautiful colors, rich aromas and a peek into nature, but year-round work is required to really make these flowers and trees shine during this time of year.

Mike Palmer, senior horticultural assistant, is responsible for the general care of specimens in the conservatory as well as any plants undergoing research in the greenhouses by U-M scientists. Palmer has spent 14 years at the Botanical Gardens, working through the dead of winter to keep these natural beauties alive and well come the blooming season.

“Spring is my favorite time because you have all these new plants that you’re now starting to see how they turn out,” Palmer says. “It’s kind of exciting with all the planning you do in the fall and winter.”

Palmer performs some interesting tasks inside the conservatory. Cross-pollination of the South African Sausage Tree, a job normally reserved for night-flying bats, fell into Palmer’s lap a few years ago when the sausage trees inside the conservatory weren’t “fruiting.” He has been acting as an African bat ever since.

Other plants only bloom in the winter, such as the Q-Tip plant, or are unique or have interesting shapes, such as the Popsicle Plant and the Coffee Tree.

“I think people really enjoy having plants interpreted for them,” Palmer says. “If you can relate to them and tell them interesting facts about the plant…it tends to come to life for people.”

In addition to his knowledge of unique plants and distinctive flowers, Palmer takes care of basic plant maintenance, such as fertilizing, pruning and applying pesticide. His care of plants undergoing research has helped scientists look for chemicals such as Lectin, used to identify cancer cells. He also spends time teaching others about nature and environmental care through classes and volunteer groups.

“This makes them more aware of their environment and how fragile plants are in general,” Palmer says. “You really have to think about how you affect things around you.”

Palmer is working on the Spring Plant Sale to be held April 30-May 2. He will sell new and unusual plants he has been working on, including the Blue and Gold Spiderwort, the Looking Glass Siberian Bugloss and the Endless Summer Hydrangea.

He also is preparing the Botanical Gardens for a Garden Party in July, where he’ll bring his four children to enjoy balloon rides, clowns and hands-on plant activities.

“People can come in and see something unique at any time of year,” Palmer says. “There’s something for all ages. Plus, it’s nice to see a pretty flower.”