Detroit’s vibrant garden scene blossoms in the late spring with the Garden Conservancy’s Detroit Garden Weekend, a three-day celebration, June 13-15, that invites garden lovers to immerse themselves in horticulture and landscape design. This unique event—presented in partnership with Oudolf Garden Detroit—offers an exploration of diverse gardens, from a grand public space to the grounds of a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, to rare glimpses at intimate private retreats as part of the Garden Conservancy Open Days™ program.
Together, these garden adventures will provide inspiration and insights for every garden enthusiast. Here are the individual events that comprise Detroit Garden Weekend:
June 13: Exploring the Oudolf Plant Palette for Year-Round Beauty and Interest
The weekend kicks off on Friday, beginning with an exclusive exploration of the Oudolf Garden Detroit on Belle Isle. Join ground crew members Meredith Simpson and Richard Thomas for a captivating session that delves into the design philosophy of renowned Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf. Discover the secrets behind his signature plant combinations, which create dynamic visual interest throughout the seasons.
This four-season garden, a rare public Oudolf project in the U.S. (along with iconic spaces like New York’s High Line and Chicago’s Lurie Garden), highlights the designer's mastery of form and texture. Oudolf thoughtfully designed the 2.5-acre space to reflect the unique character of Belle Isle, incorporating features such as a native wetlands habitat and an experimental rain garden.
Fifteen perennial beds display three of his signature planting styles, blended here for the first time anywhere. Belle Isle itself provides a rich historical backdrop. The city commissioned Frederick Law Olmsted, famed for his design of Central Park, to create a grand public space in the 1880s. While some of Olmsted’s vision came to fruition, the island’s landscape reflects a fascinating blend of historical influences.
June 14: Open Days Gardens in Wayne and Oakland Counties
Saturday offers a unique opportunity to peek behind the garden gates of private residences through the Garden Conservancy Open Days™ program. Three distinct private gardens in Oakland and Wayne Counties open their gates to the public for one day only, each with a unique story to tell:
Enchanting Rose Garden, Grosse Pointe Farms. A galvanized steel cloister supports climbing roses, creating an enchanted yard. John Cabot and Carefree Beauty roses grow in beds at the drive’s end. Planters behind the cloister feature varying annuals based on availability. Tomato trellises, a recent addition, facilitate daily picking for the owners.
Jardin a la Francaise, Grosse Pointe Farms. This Gentleman’s townhouse garden features hardscape as well as landscape. Boxwood borders surround Miss Kim lilacs on standard with 'Green Carpet' pachysandra and 'Halcyon' hosta under, matching beds of Japanese blue holly, a mass of hydrangea, and more.
Resilient Retreat, Detroit. Witness the transformative power of nature in this urban oasis, which displays the beauty and practicality of native plants, stormwater management, and edible landscaping.
Thistledown, Pleasant Ridge. Experience a formal English garden seamlessly integrated with a 1912 Craftsman bungalow. Admire the meticulously sculpted boxwoods, yews, and serene koi pond, a testament to the owners’ dedication and artistic vision.
An Urban Refuge for Our Native Friends, Grosse Pointe Park. This 100-year-old Arts and Crafts house and its gardens honor the legacy of Mary Chase Stratton, known for her iconic Pewabic Pottery studio, and her husband William Stratton. Explore formal gardens and flourishing wild meadows; designed to support local wildlife within an urban setting.
June 15: The Most Important Room of a House, The Garden
The weekend culminates on Sunday with an exploration of the interplay between architecture and landscape at the iconic Dorothy H. Turkel House in Detroit’s historic Palmer Woods. This Frank Lloyd Wright-designed residence, the only one within Detroit city limits, offers a unique perspective on how gardens can complement and enhance architectural masterpieces. Completed in 1956, this spacious, two-story home is a rare example of Usonian design. Owners Norman Silk and Dale Morgan, who meticulously restored the house in 2010, will share their insights in conversation with landscape architect Richard Hass.
Visitors can explore the 1.5-acre property, which features four distinct garden areas—meadow, woods, sculpture courtyard, and terrace—each designed to harmonize with Wright’s architectural vision. A drinks reception is a perfect finale to a weekend celebrating the art of garden design.
Registration information:
Exploring the Oudolf Plant Palette for Year-Round Beauty and Interest.
Friday, June 13, 4 p.m. $30 for Garden Conservancy members, $40 for general admission. Oudolf Garden Detroit, Belle Isle, Detroit. Visit gardenconservancy.org/detroit to register.
Open Days in Wayne and Oakland Counties.
Saturday, June 14, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $5 per garden for Conservancy members, $10 for general admission. Visit gardenconservancy.org/detroit to purchase tickets. Garden addresses will be released to ticket holders.
Garden Masters Series: The Most Important Room of a House, The Garden
Sunday, June 15, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. $120 for Conservancy members, $150 for general admission. The Turkel House, Palmer Woods, Detroit. Tickets are on sale at gardenconservancy.org/events.
Photo: Oudolf Garden Detroit by Ryan Southen
