250 peony plants destroyed at University of Michigan garden

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Peonies were cut and destroyed at the Nichols Arboretum Peony Garden.

According to U-M Division of Public Safety and Security, staff from the Nichols Arboretum reported the destruction at 6:13 a.m. on Sunday, June 1, 2025.

Around 250 peony plants on the north side of the garden had most of their flowers cut. The garden has around 800 peony plants.

Police said 100 paper signs were left throughout the area. They said no group or organization name was identified or has taken credit for this incident.

The Division of Public Safety and Security is investigating.

Anyone with information is urged to contact DPSS Dispatch at 734-763-1131, the confidential tip line at 800-863-1355 or email UM-DPSS-TIPS@umich.edu.