The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden, on the grounds of the Nichols Arboretum, is anticipating reaching peak peony bloom mid-week the week of May 26. For the first time, Nichols Arboretum is offering free shuttle service for people interested in viewing it.

The shuttle service will run from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. May 24-25, May 31-June 1 and June 7-8 from Mitchell Field at 1900 Fuller Road to the Peony Garden to alleviate parking issues.

One of the world’s largest collections, the garden holds nearly 800 peonies — 350 historic herbaceous varieties from the 19th and 20th centuries — and more than 10,000 flowers at peak bloom. For over a century, the Peony Garden has been a destination for photographers, nature lovers and anthophiles, drawing more than 75,000 visitors from across Michigan and beyond each season.

Weather conditions greatly impact the timing of the full bloom and can be monitored at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum Instagram.