Best Flower Garden in Michigan has over 100 hydrangeas; We found it in MLive’s search for floral wonder

Let’s take a tour of the most dazzling submission in MLive’s search for the prettiest flower garden in Michigan.

We get to go to a really nice area of northern Lower Michigan to gaze at all of the flowers.

Barbara McCann of Northport in Leelanau County does a lot of work to have a traffic-stopping garden. The garden is visible from M-22, just south of Northport. I’m sure more than a few heads have turned, and cars have pulled over through the years.

Barbara has a two-acre yard with numerous flower beds throughout. Her house is also surrounded by flowers.

Here’s a walk around her yard and pictures, but the pictures and video don’t do justice to Barbara’s garden scene.

Barbara gives us some stats on just how many flowers she buys and plants.

Barbara says, “This year I used at least 16 flats of bedding annuals; 8 begonias, 4 impatiens, 3 Ageratum (2 varieties) and a flat of mixed annuals including nasturtium and Profusion zinnias (low-growing and they don’t need deadheading or cutting!).

I know I purchased at least 160 4” pots of annuals, in addition to probably 2000 seedlings and cuttings I grew under grow lights. The excess of the homegrown plants are always shared with friends, family and community members, I’m happy to spread the beauty when I run out of space! When people question the cost (why do they do that?) I respond that I could go on a cruise for the money I spend, but a cruise only lasts one week, compared to months of gardening joy for me and passersby.”

Best Flower Garden Barbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark TorregrossaBarbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark TorregrossaBarbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark Torregrossa Best Flower Garden Barbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark TorregrossaBarbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark TorregrossaBarbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark Torregrossa Best Flower Garden Barbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark TorregrossaBarbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark TorregrossaBarbara McCann’s flower garden near Northport, Michigan on September 2, 2025.Mark Torregrossa

On hydrangeas, McCann can only think of one Limelight that she purchased at full price. She’s a huge fan of clearance perennials and shrubs, so she’s generally scouring the “death row” section at garden centers, knowing that with some TLC (looking yucky, but 50% off) they will thrive. Her hydrangea count this week stands at 25 big leaf/macrophyla, 22 arborescence, and 64 panicles. That’s 111 hydrangeas in Barbara’s two acre wonderland. Barbara also says she’ll be on the hunt for sales on the newest varieties soon, as fall is a great time to plant.

About Hostas Barbara says, “While I might pick up a new variety if it’s a showstopper, I’ve capped out at about 450 varieties. Unfortunately, I’ve dealt with the hosta virus HVX and have some concerns about bringing that into my garden again. Additionally, when you need a spreadsheet to keep track of varieties and where they’re planted in the yard, you know you have a problem, and I’m guilty!”

The last tip from our favorite flower gardener is to have “fertilizer Friday.” Barbara McCann makes sure to heavily feed her flowers every week on Friday.

You have a great looking flower garden Barbara McCann! Thanks for sharing it with us.

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