Late Summer at Applewood Estate

Now that the days are growing shorter and the nights have turned cool, it's the perfect time of year to venture out to enjoy the summer flowers and sunshine before they fade away.  Applewood Estate was the ideal destination to casually enjoy the spectacular gardens and beautiful estate vistas this historic site offers to the public for free.  

Applewood is a hidden gem located in the cultural district of Flint, Michigan and has been meticulously preserved and maintained by the Ruth Mott Foundation as a tribute to the legacy of Charles Stewart Mott and his many contributions to the Flint Community.  Applewood is the historic home of C.S. Mott and his family.  It is not a grandiose mansion, but rather a warm and welcoming country estate home with sprawling gardens, a greenhouse and interesting historic architectural features.

Though it only takes a few hours to tour the gardens, it's time well spent as you leisurely tour the apple orchard, numerous flowering gardens, visitor's center and historic brick barn, gatehouse, and chicken coop.

Some of the gardens we toured were the Cut Flowers Garden, Demonstration Garden and Perennial Garden.  Unfortunately, September is not the ideal month to take advantage or the fragrant Rose Garden as it was well past it's prime by summer's end. 

During our visit, the Applewood staff was very welcoming, friendly and knowledgeable when it came to identifying the more unusual botanicals on display.  Tours of the home and greenhouse along with educational and children's special events are also available.  To find out more information about Applewood and the Ruth Mott Foundation, you can visit their website for a complete listing of calendar events and hours.