New director leads Hidden Lake Gardens

Paul Pfeifer entered Hidden Lake Gardens as managing director in September. The transition was a good one for Pfeifer and the staff at Hidden Lake Gardens and was celebrated on Monday, Dec. 8, at a special reception.“It’s been great,” he said. “Everybody’s been so welcoming and hospitable.”Pfeifer came north from Kent State University where he managed Draime Estate Gardens, a private garden affiliated with the university. His background is horticulture, and he has earned degrees from Ohio State University and Purdue, as well as a Masters degree in public administration from Kent State University.Already impressed with the scope of Hidden Lake Gardens, Pfeifer is amazed at the impact of the gardens on the surrounding communities and area residents.“The thing that is so wonderful about Hidden Lake Gardens is just the level of enthusiasm and passion by the community,” said Pfeifer. “It’s more than just a garden. There are a lot of family and personal events that have happened here. I just can’t get over how everybody I’ve met has a personal connection with the gardens. It’s created this energy and enthusiasm.”Although the gardens are about to take on a winter quiet, Pfeifer will be busy. He plans to spend the winter getting to know the neighbors. His goal is to build relationships with local communities as well as with Michigan State University, which owns the arboretum.Pfeifer would like to see Hidden Lake Gardens expand, not in size but in what the gardens can offer to the area. “We want to make sure Hidden Lake Gardens is a viable source in the community,” he said. “We’re looking for different opportunities as a backdrop for all kinds of cultural activities.”Providing a backdrop for the arts is a natural way for Hidden Lake Gardens to evolve. Pfeifer believes a stronger relationship with Michigan State University is one way to expand.“Maybe there are things that art students could do here,” he said. “We’re looking to become more of a cross-cultural resource.”The care and management of the gardens is key to success for Hidden Lake Gardens. With the enthusiastic staff and volunteers, Pfeifer has plenty of support to continue the tradition of excellence found in the gardens.“The combination of cultivated and designed areas and the natural areas is impressive,” said Pfeifer. “The conifer collection is amazing. There’s just a wonderful support group here.”The renovation of the Tropical Dome was one of the first projects for Pfeifer. The two palm trees in the center of the dome had grown too tall and were pushing against the ceiling of the building.“The removal of the trees presented an opportunity to reevaluate the interior and the exterior of the Tropical Dome,” Pfeifer said.Stone was replaced in the lower wall, and new flashing was added to the glass wall. Wiring and plumbing were updated, and the room was repainted.The removal of the palm trees opened up the dome area and new plantings were added. The renovation is visibly different from the Tropical Dome most people know, but Pfeifer believes visitors will appreciate what the new design has to offer.“It was a real good restoration,” he said.The Tropical Dome reopened on Monday, Dec. 8, during the reception for Pfeifer, which was attended by community leaders and supporters of Hidden Lake Gardens.