"50 Shades of Green" is Family Friendly Holiday Fun

Where else can you see hundreds of poinsettias, learn about plants all around the world, see art related to nature in all media, find fairy houses and get out of the cold all in one place? And it's free! U of M's Matthaei Botanical Gardens welcomes you into its jungle-like conservatory for "50 Shades of Green," a dynamic look at the color of nature. I'm proud to have two artworks in the hallway outside the greenhouse as part of a wide program including performances, workshops, Father Christmas, green education and even live animals. For a complete schedule, go to http://www.lsa.umich.edu/mbg/happening/50ShadesOfGreen.asp You can't beat it for family-friendly activities this month. If the little ones are overwhelmed by all the gigantic flora, they can be engaged on their own level--looking for fairies in the underbrush. Picture opportunities abound--gather around the poinsettia tree or sit on the roomy bench surrounded by poinsettias for a family photo. The exhibit also features seasonal flower displays, inspirational ideas for holiday tree decorating, interpretative stations and a holiday sale. Free admission, open daily 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Wednesdays to 8 p.m. Closed Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve, but open New Year's Day. A modest cost for parking includes access to the trails if you want to wander outside. Located at 1800 Dixboro Road in Ann Arbor.  "50 Shades of Green" continues through January 5.