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

What happened: Members of the University of Michigan men's and women's cross country teams volunteered to cut down and clear the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden on campus, an annual autumn cleanup that prepares the plants for winter. Key numbers: The garden holds nearly 800 historic peony plants and typically features 10,000 flowers at peak bloom. Why it matters: The horticulturist said cutting the foliage reduces disease carryover and supports the garden's spring bloom, and the coach described the outing as team bonding.

Members of the University of Michigan men's and women's cross country teams volunteered to cut down and clear the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden on campus, an annual autumn cleanup that prepares the plants for winter.

The horticulturist said cutting the foliage reduces disease carryover and supports the garden's spring bloom, and the coach described the outing as team bonding.