Oudolf Garden Detroit is the first public garden in North America where Piet Oudolf has designed both the master plan and the planting plans. Major design elements and highlights include:
- 15 large Main Garden beds with steel edging and organic flowing lines, running north to south across the site
- Large Rain Garden designed to collect and filter stormwater from the street (bypassing a sewer connection)
- Native Meadows surrounding historic bell tower and natural wetlands bordering Lake Tacoma
- Bird Border mixed natural hedgerow to provide food and shelter for birds
- Two retaining walls of Michigan limestone border the Main Garden to protect from flooding
- ADA-compliant crushed granite pathways and concrete walkways; a crosswalk connection to the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, as well as nearby picnic areas and sidewalks
- Large gathering spaces in front of two monuments, connected by a central axis
- Walkable lawns that intersect with pathways, allowing visitors to have 360-degree views of all garden beds
| Area | Size | Varieties | Plants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Garden | 1.5 Acres | 145 | 79,833 |
| Rain Garden | 0.25 Acres | 24 | 2,909 |
| Meadows | 1.25 Acres | 86 | 15,357 |
| Bird Border | 0.035 Acres | 9 | 45 |
| Total Garden | 3.4 Acres | 264 | 98,144 |