A much-awaited garden hit some snags along the way, but is now ready to open later this month. Oudolf Garden Detroit, designed by world renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf, will open to the public on August 28, bringing another pleasant green space to enjoy in the city.
The project launched five years ago, after the Garden Club of Michigan sent a letter to Oudolf. Once he was on board, the Oudolf Garden Detroit Grounds Crew went to work. The crew gained all approvals and raised $4.7 million for installation and endowment.
Installation was initially delayed due to flooding on Belle Isle in 2019. The garden was raised three feet to avoid that in the future. COVID further delayed the garden. But volunteers continued to plant and get the garden ready for its opening.
“Last year, when Mother Nature sent us all to our rooms, some of us snuck out and planted an incredible garden designed by Piet Oudolf,” said Maura Campbell, Oudolf Garden Detroit Grounds Crew spokesperson. “A public garden like this is needed now more than ever. It offers a peaceful, beautiful and safe place to enjoy a piece of living art. It’s good for the body and the soul.”
The garden sits around the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon, at Picnic Way and Loiter Way.
Well-known gardens in America designed by Oudolf include the High Line in New York and Lurie Garden in Chicago. The hope is that this could be another boost to tourism for the area. The garden is perennial and meant to be enjoyed year-round.
Oudolf says no group has planted a garden more efficiently or expertly as Oudolf Garden Detroit. He would like to be at the opening, but due to travel restrictions, he will not be in Detroit.
"Detroit is very special to me. My bags were packed but unfortunately, this trip was not to be. This garden sits on one of the most natural sites for one of my gardens anywhere," said Oudolf. “It’s a place where people can go and never be bored or disappointed. It is also a place that will teach you about plants because you will see plants you have never seen before or have never seen combined this way."
The Oudolf Garden Detroit Grounds Crew worked with the Department of Natural Resources, the Belle Isle Conservancy, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, foundations, and donors to bring the garden to life. InSite Design, Anglin Civil, and United Lawnscape are a few of the technical crews working on the garden.
The celebratory opening is at 10 a.m. on August 28 and the public is welcome. For more photos, see the gallery above.
