The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island is a true icon, stretching across 167 acres of stunning landscape. Drew Butterfield, the hotel’s Director of Grounds, has dedicated himself to ensuring every inch of the property maintains its grandeur. He and his team work tirelessly to create captivating flowerbeds, intricate topiaries, and vibrant gardens that delight guests year after year.
From Rubble to Rhapsody: The Birth of a Secret Garden
However, a few years ago, Butterfield had a vision for a specific spot tucked away within a cedar grove below the hotel. This area had been a dumping ground for years, a collection of brush, debris, and tree stumps. But beneath the discarded materials lay rich, composted soil, waiting for a chance to flourish.
“I couldn’t shake the image of this area transformed,” Butterfield shared, reminiscing about his personal project. “It was something I had to do in my spare time.”
Over 100 trailer loads of landscaping debris were removed, revealing a blank canvas for Butterfield’s vision. The site was meticulously prepared for its debut in 2018, a hidden treasure just waiting to be discovered.
A Social Media Sensation: The Secret Garden’s Unexpected Fame
Initially, the garden remained a quiet haven, but by 2019, it had captured the hearts (and cameras) of visitors from across the island. The “Secret Garden,” as it became known, exploded onto social media, transforming into a popular photo op.
Thousands of vibrant flowers create a breathtaking river of color, attracting visitors who shared their experiences on Instagram and Facebook. Butterfield watched as word spread like wildfire, with people from all corners of the state asking, “Where is this place?”
The garden’s allure is its subtle seclusion. Nestled amidst the hotel grounds, it’s easy to miss if you’re not looking for it. Butterfield’s team, ever-helpful, is ready to point visitors in the right direction.
An Artist’s Vision: Designing the Secret Garden
Butterfield’s artistic vision for the Secret Garden was clear: he wanted to create a flowing spectacle of blooms that would shift with the seasons. He envisioned a space where vibrant spring bulbs would give way to summer annuals, a vibrant tapestry of color that would last through the fall.
“I have a love for water features and cascading waterfalls,” Butterfield explained. “I wanted to capture that feeling with plants, using grape hyacinths to represent a river.”
The garden boasts an impressive collection of bulbs, including over 35,000 tulips, a Grand Hotel favorite.
A Growing Oasis: The Secret Garden’s Future
The Secret Garden’s popularity inspired Butterfield’s team to add a bench and bridge in 2019, enhancing the beauty of the space and providing visitors with even more opportunities to capture its charm.
Looking ahead, Butterfield has exciting plans to refresh the Secret Garden for the upcoming season. “We’re going to make a few changes,” he teased, “keeping the surprises under wraps for now. Guests love finding new things.”
The Secret Garden is a testament to Butterfield’s creative passion and the team’s unwavering dedication to maintaining the Grand Hotel’s timeless charm. This hidden gem offers a moment of tranquility and beauty, a reminder that even within the heart of a grand resort, nature’s wonders can unfold in unexpected ways.
