As the 10th largest state in the United States, Michigan possesses a large amount of natural resources. From wetlands to sand dunes, from forests to lakes and rivers all are just waiting for us to explore and enjoy. One of the stateâs natural resources is called Oudolf Garden. This garden is located within a state park in Detroit. Meredith Simpson, a volunteer with Oudolf Garden Detroit has very graciously agreed to be interviewed about the gardenâs origins. She is able to give us a behind the scenes look at how it was developed and what it has become.
Where is the garden located?
Oudolf Garden Detroit is located on Belle Isle in the city of Detroit, Michigan. Belle Isle is located in the international waterway of the Detroit River!
How did it come into existence?
The project started back in 2015 as new idea by the Garden Club of Michigan, in an effort to create a significant impact in the city. Garden club members Maura Campbell, Jean Hudson and Richard Thomas then sent a âlove letter from Detroitâ to Piet Oudolf, and he ultimately accepted the commission. Fundraising began immediately, and fast forward several yearsâŚthe Belle Isle garden was designed, installed and planted by the fall of 2020. This year is the second full growing season for Oudolf Garden Detroit.
Who is Piet Oudolf?
Piet Oudolf is the influential Dutch garden designer, nurseryman and author. He is a leading figure of the âNew Perennialâ or âDutch Waveâ design movement, using bold drifts of herbaceous perennials and grasses chosen as much for their structure and four-season interest as for their flower color. Oudolf is the planting designer on New York Cityâs High Line and the Lurie Garden in Chicagoâs Millennium Park, among many other public and private gardens worldwide.
When was Oudolf Garden Detroit created?
Construction began in 2019 at the garden site, and the main garden beds were planted in September of 2020. Site construction concluded in 2021, and the large rain garden was planted in July of 2021.
What types of plants are included in this garden?
There are over 180 different species, cultivars and plant selections at Oudolf Garden Detroit. Totally some 30,000 plants overall, they are primarily a mix of hardy perennials and grasses in the main garden beds, as well as sedges, trees and shrubs in the rain garden.
Oudolf Garden Detroit is described as a new type of garden. What is meant by that?
Piet Oudolfâs planting design style is more naturalistic, lush and somewhat âwildâ looking compared to traditional garden borders. Also unique, this is a four-season garden where plants are left to overwinter in place, providing winter interest, as well as a habitat and food source for birds and other wildlife. The garden has an immersive, contemplative feel, as if one is surrounded by a beautiful meadow in the city.
Who maintains the garden?
The garden is maintained by a dedicated volunteer team and a few seasonal contractors, all managed by the Friends of Oudolf Garden nonprofit organization. The garden has a maintenance endowment set up in its name at the Community Foundation of South East Michigan, which is intended to fund garden maintenance into perpetuity.
What might visitors to the garden expect to see?
Visitors can expect to see 15 large, lush garden beds, long grass strips and crushed granite pathways for strolling, and a large rain garden alongside retaining walls of Michigan limestone. The Oudolf Garden is adjacent to the beautiful Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory on Belle Isle, and the Belle Isle Aquarium. There is ample picnic space nearby, and many other sites to see on the isle.
What hours/days is the garden open to the public?
Oudolf Garden Detroit is open free to the public every day of the week from dawn to dusk on Detroitâs Belle Isle. During peak summer season, Belle Isle can get quite busy on weekends, as one of Michiganâs most popular state parks. Visitors can look online to ensure the park is open prior to their visit.
In addition to visiting the garden itself, how else might our readers connect with the Oudolf Garden Detroit?
Please visit us at oudolfgardendetroit.org for more information and to sign up for newsletters and volunteer opportunities. Follow us on social media @oudolfgardendetroit on both Instagram and Facebook.
Many thanks to Meredith and all of the volunteers who have worked so hard to establish this resource for visitors. Please consider taking a drive this summer and enjoying the beautiful garden and all that Michigan has to offer.
