Field Trip to John Blair’s
Restored Prairie and Butterfly Gardens
A guided visit to a pollinator habitat in Brooklyn, Michigan
Master Gardener Association of Wayne County (MGAWC), Tollgate Farm (Gardens - Tollgate Farm and Education Center), and Association of Professional Gardeners (APG) members and guests are invited to a field trip to John Blair’s restored prairie and butterfly gardens in Brooklyn, Michigan, for a tour of a nine-acre property that includes three large pollinator gardens, a five-acre restored prairie, ponds, savanna habitat, and wetland areas for native plants, butterflies, birds, and other wildlife.
Date, Time, Address and Recommendations
Sunday, August 16, 2026
10:30 AM to 11:30 AM or noon-ish
Rain or shine
12249 Ladd Road, Brooklyn, Michigan
Very roughly 1 hour and 15 minutes, 60-some miles one way, from either the UM-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center or the Tollgate Farm in Novi (so leave home at 9-ISH depending on your route)
Parking is available at John & Sheri Blair’s home
Dress for the weather including rain gear and/or sun protection
Bring water for yourself and insect repellent for mosquitoes
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Prairie paths have some uneven ground, ruts, exposed roots, and natural animal tunnels
Those who prefer not to walk the prairie paths may enjoy the view from benches in the gardens
Gardens
The visit will feature three expansive butterfly gardens that John describes as “blended gardens” that combine native plants with non-native, non-invasive nectar plants such as zinnias and garden phlox. The result is a colorful and inviting landscape that demonstrates how native plants can be incorporated beautifully into home gardens while still providing essential habitat for birds, butterflies, insects, and other pollinators.
The restored prairie is several years into its development and includes more than 150 species of native Michigan plants. The prairie in August offers an impressive display with many plants in bloom and the landscape supporting pollinators. The site has attracted fifty-two species of butterflies as well as ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Guests will also see three ponds that were once buried by farmers and have since been excavated and restored. Today, the ponds support frogs, turtles, dragonflies, and other wildlife. Along with the prairie, savanna, and wetland edge trail, visitors will experience four distinct native habitats during the tour.
Private Tour Details
The private tour lasts about an hour and a half, possibly closer to two hours if guests have questions and wish to stay longer. Visitors are encouraged to bring a hat, water bottle, insect repellent, umbrella or rain gear if needed, and appropriate walking or hiking shoes.
Guests may bring lunch if they would like to picnic after the tour. A blanket or chair is recommended for anyone planning to stay for lunch.
OPTIONAL Visit to Hidden Lake Gardens After TOUR
Some gardeners might choose to visit nearby MSU Hidden Lake Gardens,14 miles from John Blair’s driveway, perhaps after a break for lunch. In Brooklyn, dining options include Poppa’s Place (a casual mom & pop restaurant) and Atlas (upscale restaurant that may involve reservations).
Hidden Lake Gardens information below.
About John Blair
John Blair began creating butterfly habitat after retiring from his automotive engineering career. Inspired by a 2012 presentation by butterfly expert Brenda Dziedzic, he created a large butterfly garden at his Westland home before moving with his wife, Sheri, to rural Brooklyn in 2019. There, he expanded his work into a larger restoration effort, transforming the property into a major butterfly and pollinator habitat.
John’s garden has been featured in Fine Gardening, Michigan Gardener, the Detroit Free Press, and the Garden Answer YouTube channel. He has also shared presentations on butterfly gardening and prairie restoration with Master Gardener groups, Michigan State University, Greenfield Village, garden clubs, church groups, and nature clubs throughout southeast and mid-Michigan.
Hidden Lake Gardens in Tipton
A Michigan Garden Escape
Hidden Lake Gardens is a 755-acre botanical garden and arboretum in the Irish Hills of southeast Michigan. Operated by Michigan State University, it offers a mix of landscaped gardens, wooded trails, plant collections, a conservatory, and scenic views that make it a worthwhile stop for nature lovers, families, photographers, and day-trippers.
Visitor Information for Hidden Lake Gardens
Address: 6214 W. Monroe Road (M-50), Tipton, MI 49287
Sunday Hours: Gardens & grounds are open 9 AM-5 PM; last admission 4:30 PM
Canopy Sky Walk is open 10 AM-4 PM
Conservatory, Bonsai Courtyard, Visitors Center, & Gift Shop are open 9 AM-4:30 PM
Admission includes entry to all attractions, including the Sky Walk
$10 Adults
$8 Seniors, Military, and Veterans
$5 Students
Free for Ages 4 and under plus HLG members
Website: Hidden Lake Gardens | Infrastructure Planning and Facilities
Hidden Lake Garden Phone: 517-431-2060
hidden lake Garden Highlights
The Reach for the Sky Canopy Walk gives visitors a treetop perspective of the landscape. The conservatory features tropical, arid, and temperate plant environments. The Bonsai Courtyard displays carefully cultivated miniature trees. Outdoors, visitors can explore hiking trails, scenic drives, the Gazebo Garden, Hosta Hillside, the Harper Collection of Dwarf and Rare Conifers, seasonal flowers, art exhibitions, and lake views throughout the grounds.