Joseph Friess-Peters, 32, and his girlfriend had visited the garden on Saturday and were looking forward to returning. He said he was confused by the vandalism and its role in supporting Palestine.

Vandalism at the W.E. Upjohn Peony Garden at the University of Michigan has caused a public outcry. The beloved plants only bloom for a short time each year, and many of the plants are more than 100 years old.

Hundreds of peonies were cut at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, according to the garden's director.