Fair Lane Gardens - garden at the Dearborn, Michigan estate of Henry Ford

Flower & Garden Magazine, Oct-Nov, 1993 by Ellen Henke

The Great Meadow, as well as the pond at its terminus, were constructed as opposing dogleg designs to entice visitors around the bend. One is beckoned onward by the pond to the left, or by two linking meadows to the right. In the second meadow are the ruins of a rose garden and trails that link a series of garden rooms.

The formal gardens around the house include the early small rose garden and the garden where Mrs. Ford featured flowers of her favorite color, blue. Charming as they may be, these gardens are subordinate to Jensen's bigger, naturalistic land." scape. The view from the terrace is of meadows and woodlands rolling right up to the house.

Jensen was an early proponent of garden designs in America that reflect our regional heritage. He expected his landscapes to grow and change with time, and planned for growth and change so his designs would endure.

ITINERARY INFORMATION

From downtown Detroit take 1-94 to the Ford Road (M-153) exit; go west on Ford Road to Evergreen Road. Turn left (south) on Evergreen Road and continue to the University of Michigan-Dearborn campus. On campus, follow signs to Fair Lane.

In addition to self-guided tours, there are guided tours of the mansion, many of the estate buildings and the gardens. Tour groups should make advance reservations. Call 313-593-5590 for more information on admission rices and hours.