Located in the Irish Hills area of lower Michigan, this is a hidden gem indeed. The only bad thing about it is that it is located away from all major cities. Therefore, you generally don't just drive by and stop in. You have to decide to go there and that is very worthwhile.

There are two key garden areas of interest. The Harper Rare and Dwarf Conifer collection is one of the best (some say the best) collections in the country. All manner of evergreen plants, some one of a kind, are on display in a beautiful rolling setting. They are all labeled for easy identification.

The Hosta Hillside is the other major attraction. The Michigan Hosta Society has developed a magnificent display garden on a wooded hillside. It is dedicated to Dr Ralph (Herb) and Dorothy Benedict who were two of the early pioneer in this genus. Herb has originated hundreds of hosta cultivars.

Hosta Hillside has a display of over 600 mature clumps with well over 400 different named cultivars of hostas. They are all labeled and well maintained by the Society. Great for figuring out which ones you want for your landscape.