University of Michigan runners blitz campus peony garden, preparing hundreds of plants for winter

University cross‑country teams at the University of Michigan have turned the campus’ prized peony garden into a training ground, running past its beds with the precision of a marching band. The garden, located near the heart of the campus, hosts some 1,500 peonies that bloom each spring into a riot of colour and fragrance. Yet every autumn and winter, the university’s male and female cross‑country squads use the stretch of earth to hone their speed and stamina, a practice that has sparked both admiration and concern among faculty, students, and local residents.The peonies, donated by a former athletic director in the 1970s and tended by a volunteer staff of horticulturalists, are a cherished symbol of the university’s tradition..

The plants are scheduled for a winter pruning cycle in late October, a process that involves trimming stems and roots to encourage healthy growth in the spring. The cross‑country teams, however, run through the garden during the same window, timing their laps to coincide with the pruning schedule. They claim the extra distance helps them maintain consistency in training, and that the cooler temperature of the garden’s shaded areas reduces the risk of heat exhaustion on campus roads.“We’re not trying to damage anything,” said James Patel, an assistant coach for the women’s team..

“The peonies are only affected by the foot traffic that would normally occur from walking students and staff. We actually coordinate with the horticulture office so we don’t run during the pruning days.” Patel’s statement was echoed by the men’s team coach, Maria Gonzales, who emphasized the importance of training on varied terrain. “The garden beds provide a slight incline and natural obstacles that are useful for building strength.”Despite the coaches’ assurances, some faculty members have raised concerns about the potential damage to the plants..

Rebecca Li, a professor of horticulture who volunteers in the garden’s maintenance, explained that heavy foot traffic can compact the soil, reduce oxygen flow to roots, and increase the risk of fungal infections. “The peonies are delicate, especially in late autumn when they’re transitioning to dormancy,” Li said. “Repeated running could create micro‑cracks in the soil, leading to water runoff that stresses the plants.”The university’s administration has tried to find a middle ground..

In a recent meeting, the dean of the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences suggested a rotational schedule: cross‑country teams would use the garden on alternate weeks, while the horticulture department would prune on the off weeks. This plan would allow both parties to coexist without compromising the plants’ health or the athletes’ training regimen. “We’re committed to preserving the garden’s heritage while supporting the student‑athletes,” the dean said..

“It’s about cooperation, not conflict.”The peony garden, meanwhile, has become an unexpected venue for community engagement. Local high school teams often watch the university runners from nearby lawns, and some students have organized “plant‑care days” where they clean fallen leaves and mulch the beds after a run. A small group of volunteers, led by senior Alex Ramirez, has even started a blog detailing the garden’s history and the importance of sustainable campus practices..

“It’s a living classroom,” Ramirez noted. “Seeing the cross‑country team run by the beds reminds us that our campus is a shared space.”The university’s athletics department has also highlighted the benefits of the practice from a performance perspective. A recent study conducted by the university’s sports science faculty found that runners who train on varied terrain, such as the uneven surfaces of the peony beds, demonstrate improved stride efficiency and lower injury rates compared to those who train exclusively on paved tracks..

“The peony garden provides a natural environment that challenges the athletes in ways that synthetic tracks cannot,” explained Dr. Michael Chen, the study’s lead author. “It’s a win‑win for both the sport and the ecosystem, provided we manage the impact carefully.”However, the debate is far from settled..

A petition signed by over 400 students has called for the university to restrict the use of the garden entirely, citing concerns over ecological impact and the need to preserve the aesthetic value of the campus. In contrast, a counter‑petition signed by more than 600 athletes and supporters argues that the garden is an integral part of their training regimen and that the university should invest in better soil restoration methods. “We’re not asking for unrestricted access,” said petition leader Hannah Kim..

“We’re requesting a partnership that ensures the garden remains healthy and vibrant while allowing athletes to benefit from a unique training environment.”The university’s governing board is slated to vote on the matter next month. Meanwhile, the cross‑country teams are already planning alternative training routes that include a mix of paved paths and natural trails on campus. “We’re open to change,” Gonzales told reporters..

“But we also want to honor the tradition of running through the garden, which has been a part of our culture for decades.”If the board decides to limit the garden’s use, the university will need to secure additional funding for alternative training facilities, which could involve constructing a new track or upgrading existing paths. Such projects would require not only financial investment but also community approval, a process that could take several years. Until then, the peony beds will continue to echo with the sound of sneakers and the scent of late‑season blooms, a testament to the campus’s ongoing balancing act between athletic ambition and environmental stewardship..