ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Michigan News Source) — A third of the historic peonies at Nichols Arboretum were gone by sunrise—cut at the stem and replaced with signs invoking Gaza, in what University of Michigan officials are calling a case of property destruction.  

Flower swap sparks sadness.

Around 250 peony plants in the century-old W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden were discovered early June 1 with their blooms removed. Nearly 100 paper signs were also left behind on the garden’s north side, as reported by The Detroit News. 

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According to a university-released image, at least one of the signs read: “Palestinian lives deserve to be cared for. More than these flowers.” The signs included references to the number of annual garden visitors alongside statistics on Palestinian casualties in Gaza since Oct. 7, drawing attention to the disparity in public concern.

The University of Michigan’s Division of Public Safety and Security said no suspects have been named and no group has taken credit for the incident. At this time, the case remains under investigation.

“These peonies are not just plants,” garden director Tony Kolenic said in a video message recorded on site. “They’ve been nurtured over generations and bring joy, community, and connection to the natural world for so many people every season.”

Full bloom cut short.

The damage was discovered just after 6 a.m., only hours after the garden’s social media account announced the flowers were approaching full bloom. 

The W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden contains more than 800 peony plants and is one of the largest of its kind in North America. Many of the varieties predate World War II and are cared for by staff and volunteers each season.

For now, one of Ann Arbor’s most photographed flower beds is, in part, a crime scene.

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“What happened here was an act of disregard not just for the garden, but for the community that cherishes it, even for life itself,” Kolenic said.