A Walk in the Gardens: Meet Fernwood’s New Executive Director

Just days before spring’s official arrival, I walked with Mary Krinock through Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles. She’s been executive director of the beloved garden and nature preserve since November 2024, returning to her Michigan roots after more than 15 years in leadership roles with Chicago nonprofits, including the Museum of Science and Industry. As we wandered, the forest floor was carpeted in yellow aconite — tiny bursts of sunshine along the path, offering a gentle reminder that beauty is abundant in every season at Fernwood.

Where is Fernwood Botanical Garden and what are its hours?

Fernwood is at 13988 Range Line Road in Niles on 105 acres along the St. Joseph River near Buchanan. It takes just 30 minutes to get here from St. Joseph/Benton Harbor, and a few minutes from South Bend, Indiana, Southwest Michigan’s wine country and Lake Michigan’s shoreline. 

Fernwood is open year-round on Tuesdays through Sundays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. We are closed July 4, Thanksgiving, December 24, 25 and 31 and January 1. There is an admission fee to visit, however, we offer reciprocal admission to members of other participating gardens, nature centers and museums across North America. 

What inspired you to leave Chicago to take your new role at Fernwood?

When I drove in for my first visit to Fernwood. I knew almost instantly that this was where I wanted to be. Then, I met the staff and volunteers and they were genuinely warm and welcoming. It is no wonder Fernwood has such a rich history in Southwest Michigan. The team is dedicated to making this a special place for not just the nearby communities, but also for out-of-town visitors. 

What are the highlights of Fernwood’s 60-plus years?

This beautiful place began as the country home of Kay and Walter Boydston. They bought the first 12-and-a-half acres in 1941. Kay loved ferns, therefore the name, and the couple shared their gardens and natural areas with friends. 

In 1949, Kay and her friend Gladys Kneeshaw discovered they both had a passion for weaving. They founded the Niles Handweavers Guild and it still meets in the summer house where we host meetings and special events on the property. 

Through the efforts of Lawrence and Mary Plym, Fernwood became a public garden in 1964. Since then, this nonprofit organization was able to purchase additional land to its current 105 acres which gave us space for the arboretum, prairie restoration and additional gardens. We then opened the Mary Plym Visitors Center in 1989 and The Sims Education Center in 2018.

What is new at Fernwood this year?

We are very excited about our newest garden arriving this year. We took down the Winter House and are putting in its place, and down to the creek, a Stumpery Garden designed by the nationally renowned plantsman and lecturer, Dan Hinkley. Stumpery gardens were made popular in the Victorian era and ours will be perfect in this shady woodland area beneath our canopy of chestnut trees. The garden will feature a diversity of ferns and other low-light-loving perennials amidst upturned tree stumps. It will be a tranquil and refreshing setting on warm summer days.

Since November, we have welcomed the Grateful Pie Company cafe to our visitors center. It is open during our regular hours. They have a full menu of homemade breakfasts, salads, lunch entrees, soups, pizza and the best pies and desserts for miles. If you don’t want to bring home a whole pie, order from that day’s choices of mini pies — and yes, it’s okay to eat pie for breakfast.

If you are not familiar with the gardens, what other places should you make sure to see?

I encourage you to visit every outdoor and indoor space at Fernwood. But places you may not realize are here are the Japanese Garden, next to the Railway Garden. It’s intentionally a very serene place designed by Ben Oki, the Curator of Bonsai at the world-renowned Huntington Botanical Gardens, in San Marino, California. The garden is a variation of a Japanese dry garden with the gravel path representing flowing water. Sit on a bench and ponder the bonsai plant shapes and colors.

The Arboretum lets you see trees and shrubs from around the world. In the spring through early fall, it’s a good place to bird watch, especially for bluebirds that use the nest boxes. It’s also a favorite place in winter to snowshoe and cross-country ski. 

If you love native wildflowers, visit our Tallgrass Prairie. Starting in June, every week new flowers bloom. A second peak comes in late July and early August, and the tall grasses peak in August and early September. 

But for sure, explore the Nature Preserve Trails. They are of various lengths and steepness, so look at our guide before heading out. You will see so many diverse ecosystems along the way. If you take the St. Joseph River Trail, rest at the River Dock and look for fish, great blue herons, bald eagles, water birds and dragonflies.

What do children or teens like to do or see?

Kids will like the above places, but you will want to take them to these four spots. The first is the Railway Garden. It’s an imaginative space that lets you follow numerous G-scale model trains on various track levels. They cross bridges, enter tunnels, skirt ponds and waterfalls and pass by cherished local landmarks. It’s all made from natural materials. 

If you have real young children, take them just beyond the Railway Garden to the Children’s Nature Adventure Garden. There are small grassy mounds to run up and down, a twisty-turny labyrinth, a hobbit house to hide in and a sand pit for digging.

The third place is the Herb and Sensory Garden where over 200 herbs will delight all five of your kids’ senses. Show your children the plants that make seasonings, spices, teas, dyes, insect repellents and much more. 

The fourth kids’ favorite is the Boxwood Garden. Let them enter through the arbor gate into a secluded getaway where they can imagine being Mary, Dickon and Colin in the book The Secret Garden.

Why should children engage in nature at Fernwood?

Fernwood is full of teaching moments and encounters with nature. If we want to keep preserving nature, let’s help our children fall in love with it.

What are the wellness rewards for adults taking a “silent” getaway on their vacation in Southwest Michigan?

There are many rewards to going to places where you can turn off your phones. Here you can gain clarity, reset, see, hear and experience something new … something natural. I always encourage people to walk to the waterwheel and listen to the rhythmic water splashing, it’s very calming. Or go to the Weir Lily Pond, put your life on hold and take in the scenery.  

What memorable experiences do you offer throughout the year?

Summer concerts are returning to the garden with an exciting lineup of music, food and fresh air. One of the concerts is part of The Acorn Anywhere series.

Our Holiday Market in November and Lights at Fernwood in December are worth attending. We are also a lovely place for family and company celebrations — Fernwood is an unforgettable wedding venue. 

What types of classes and workshops can locals or visitors take?

You will find something that matches your interests or passions all year. They range from storytimes to floral design, herbal symposiums, gardening lectures, streaming yoga and holiday wreath making. In summer, we offer summer camps for children ages six to 12 years old and service learning opportunities for teens through young adults. Go to our website to see what is happening when you are in Southwest Michigan.

Do you have a favorite place at Fernwood?

No, I love it all. It is incredible to come to work every day and know that my office is indoors and outdoors. I hope you come soon to see how lucky I am.

Stay Over for More Outdoor Adventures

Fernwood is one of many natural areas and parks in Southwest Michigan that connect you with wildflowers, trees, water, birds and wildlife. Plan to spend two or more days immersing in the beauty and serenity of our outdoors — and watch a few gorgeous sunsets on Lake Michigan, too. 

Our Benton Harbor, St. Joseph and Stevensville hotels offer suites, indoor pools, waterfront views and many more amenities that will make returning home difficult. But you are always welcome to come back and discover more.

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