Inspired by the energy of Detroit after receiving a “love letter from Detroit” from The Garden Club of Michigan, Piet Oudolf designed this naturalistic public garden on Belle Isle.
Both artistic and ecological by design, he chose perennials, grasses, shrubs, and trees for their hardiness, durability, and ever-changing textures and colors for enjoyment in all four seasons. Oudolf Garden Detroit differs from other public Oudolf gardens in that it is run by an all-volunteer Oudolf Garden Detroit Grounds Crew.
The 3-acre garden sits in front of and around the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon on Belle Isle, a Michigan state park situated in the picturesque Detroit River. The Garden is divided into four district areas; the Main Garden, the Rain Garden, the Native Meadows and the Bird Border.
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Garden Etiquette
Welcome! Oudolf Garden Detroit is a free, public garden designed by Piet Oudolf. It is home to hundreds of plant species and is a place of rest for people and wildlife alike.
Please respect the garden, people and plants:
- Stay on the paths and grassy areas
- Do not pick flowers
- Clean up after your pet
- Walk your bike
- Leave no trace
Weddings are not permitted in the Garden.
“For me, garden design isn’t just about plants, it is about emotion, atmosphere, a sense of contemplation. You try to move people with what you do. You look at this, and it goes deeper than what you see. It reminds you of something in the genes — nature, or the longing for nature.”
Piet Oudolf
