Metro Detroit is truly in bloom during summer 2025, and there’s no better way to savor the season than by exploring its garden tours and green spaces. From private garden walks in charming neighborhoods to the best public gardens in Metro Detroit open daily, the region offers a colorful array of family-friendly summer events for nature lovers. These tours and gardens aren’t just about pretty flowers – they’re community traditions, some decades old, that bring neighbors together and welcome visitors to experience the beauty of Metro Detroit’s neighborhoods. Whether you’re a seasoned plant enthusiast or simply looking for fun things to do in Detroit this summer, this guide will walk you through the must-see Metro Detroit garden tours, both private and public. So grab your sun hat and get ready to discover blossoming ideas, hidden oases, and plenty of inspiration across the metro area!
Private Garden Walks
Metro Detroit’s garden clubs have a long-standing tradition of hosting private garden walks each summer. These are special one-day events where homeowners and avid gardeners invite the public into their lovingly tended private gardens – often to raise funds for local causes and horticultural projects. In 2025, several clubs are rolling out the green carpet with tours that showcase everything from quaint cottage gardens to expansive landscapes. Below you’ll find each event’s date, location, website, and a snapshot of what to expect. These family-friendly summer events make for delightful outings, blending sightseeing, community spirit, and gardening know-how.
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Ann Arbor Farm and Garden, Facebook
Ann Arbor Garden Walk
Date: June 14, 2025
Website: Ann Arbor Garden Walk
The 32nd annual Ann Arbor Garden Walk takes place on Saturday, June 14 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m.). Hosted by Ann Arbor Farm & Garden, this beloved tour features six private gardens across the city, ranging from small sustainable city lots to large country-like yards. Visitors will find everything from tranquil ponds and shade-loving perennials to vibrant wildflower beds with native plants that support pollinators. Some stops even offer a dose of local history – three of this year’s garden homes are over a century old, including two in the historic Old West Side district. The Garden Walk is a fundraiser that directly benefits community garden and farm projects in Washtenaw County, so attendees can feel good knowing their ticket helps “grow” the local community. It’s a relaxed, self-guided tour at your own pace – a great day for a great cause where you can chat with fellow garden enthusiasts and pick up ideas for your own green space. Families are welcome (children under 13 attend free), making this a family-friendly summer event and an inspiring way to spend a June afternoon in Ann Arbor.
Franklin Garden Walk
Date: June 18, 2025
Website: Franklin Garden Walk
Now in its 40th year, the Franklin Garden Walk is set for Wednesday, June 18 and promises a mix of gardening and small-town charm. The Franklin Garden Club rolls out the welcome mat with tours of several extraordinary private gardens in the Franklin area and nearby communities like Beverly Hills and Bloomfield. Uniquely, this garden walk offers both day and evening touring sessions (gardens open 10 a.m.–4 p.m. and 6 p.m.–9 p.m.), so you can choose a sunny morning or a twilight stroll – or both! Begin or end your route at the artisan market in Franklin Community Park, open 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. that day. At this bustling market you’ll find local crafts, plants, and garden goodies for sale, adding a fun shopping element to the outing. Franklin itself is a picturesque historic village, and during the walk you’ll likely bump into friendly neighbors and club volunteers eager to share gardening tips. With four decades of tradition behind it, the Franklin Garden Walk has a warm, community vibe that welcomes both avid botanists and casual flower admirers. It’s a perfect opportunity to explore gorgeous private yards (often hidden behind gatehouses and winding drives) and get ideas for your own home garden – all while supporting a club that funds local beautification projects.
Rochester Garden Walk
Date: June 19, 2025
Website: Rochester Garden Walk
The Rochester Garden Walk on Thursday, June 19 is celebrating its 25th annual tour, and it’s packed with activities that go beyond garden gazing. Co-hosted by the Rochester Garden Club and the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, this event runs from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and features a wonderful selection of private gardens in the greater Rochester area. What makes this tour special is its partnership with the historic Van Hoosen Farm museum: your ticket includes access to the farm’s beautiful 16-acre grounds and some of its exhibit spaces. You can wander through the museum’s own gardens – don’t miss the award-winning Children’s Garden maintained by the club, loaded with whimsical plants and hands-on activities for little ones. During the walk, family-friendly extras abound. For instance, “Walkers” can take a break at the Cookie Room inside a renovated dairy barn on the farm, where complimentary homemade cookies and lemonade are served by smiling garden club members. There’s also a Native Plant Sale (9:30 a.m.–3 p.m.) featuring Michigan-grown wildflowers and shrubs, and a 10:30 a.m. talk on “Expert Tips and Tricks for Native Plant Gardens” to inspire your eco-friendly side. Don’t forget to browse the quirky “Fleatique” market in the calf barn, selling gently used garden art, tools, and vintage treasures. The Rochester Garden Walk is very much a community festival as well as a tour – a great day out for gardeners of all ages, with proceeds supporting the museum and the garden club’s local charitable projects
Grosse Pointe Garden Center’s Garden Tour
Date: June 20–21, 2025
Website: Grosse Pointe Garden Center’s Garden Tour
For garden lovers on the east side, the Grosse Pointe Garden Center’s 33rd Annual Garden Tour is a highlight of the summer. Happening Friday and Saturday, June 20–21 (10 a.m. – 4 p.m. both days), this tour’s theme is “Pollinators Make Your Garden Grow,” celebrating the butterflies, bees, and birds that help our gardens thrive. Your ticket grants access to seven beautiful private gardens throughout the Grosse Pointe neighborhoods – from manicured lakefront estates to intimate cottage gardens tucked away on tree-lined streets. But there’s much more than garden-viewing on offer. At each stop you might find local artists painting “en plein air” (capturing the floral scenes on canvas), and knowledgeable docents (some are Master Gardeners) ready to answer your plant questions. The Garden Center also sets up an information table with MSU Extension Master Gardener experts to provide gardening tips. Kids and the young-at-heart will enjoy a fun garden scavenger hunt designed to get you looking a little closer at the details in each garden. Be sure to swing by the Garden Shoppe at the tour hub, where you can browse plants, books, and garden art, and don’t forget to enter the tour raffle for a chance at garden-themed prizes. This two-day tour is rain or shine, and it’s a cherished tradition in the Grosse Pointes – a wonderful way to spend a summer day by the lake, meeting fellow garden enthusiasts and supporting the Garden Center’s educational mission.
Trailwood Garden Club “Flowers Are Forever” Walk
Date: June 24, 2025
Website: Trailwood Garden Club “Flowers Are Forever” Walk
On Tuesday, June 24, the Trailwood Garden Club invites everyone to the Plymouth area for their 27th annual “Flowers Are Forever” Garden Walk. This tour runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. (so it’s another one that accommodates both daytime and after-work visits). Five lovely private home gardens are on display, offering exclusive peeks into some of Plymouth’s finest gardens – each with its own style and bursts of summer color. Whether you make it a midday outing or an evening wind-down, you’re sure to find inspiration and relaxation on this tour. Trailwood Garden Club members and Master Gardener volunteers will be on hand to chat and answer questions, so don’t hesitate to pick their brains for plant advice. In addition to the garden visits, there will be a combined plant sale and garden treasures boutique at one of the stops. This is a great chance to bring home native plants, perennials, or a quirky piece of yard art – a perfect souvenir to remember the day. The “Flowers Are Forever” walk is a true community event with a friendly, laid-back vibe. Many attendees make an afternoon of it by also enjoying lunch or ice cream in downtown Plymouth. If you’re looking for a pleasant way to spend a summer Tuesday – perhaps a mini date with a friend or an educational trip with the kids – this garden walk is a fantastic option in western Metro Detroit.
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Country Garden Club of Northville, Facebook
Country Garden Club of Northville Walk
Date: July 9, 2025
Website: Country Garden Club of Northville Walk
The Country Garden Club of Northville presents its 31st Annual Northville Garden Walk on Wednesday, July 9, 2025 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). This tour showcases six charming private gardens sprinkled around the historic Northville community, known for its picturesque Victorian homes and leafy streets. The event kicks off at the “Green Space” behind the Northville District Library downtown – this serves as the staging area and mini-festival hub for the day. At the Green Space, you’ll find garden artisans and vendors selling plants, handmade crafts, and garden décor, as well as a bake sale with delicious homemade treats and refreshments prepared by club members. (Nothing beats a cold lemonade and baked good pick-me-up in between garden stops!) You can also tour the Library’s own gardens on site and get ideas for community gardening and native plantings. When you’re ready to explore the private gardens, simply follow the map provided with your ticket – driving between locations is advised, as the garden sites are spread out around town. Each stop offers something unique: perhaps a backyard pollinator haven buzzing with butterflies, or an elegant landscape with water features and sculpture. Northville’s walk is very welcoming – many hosts and volunteers greet you and share personal “behind the scenes” stories of their gardens. It’s a delightful way to spend a summer day, combining neighborhood sightseeing with gardening inspiration. Don’t be surprised if you discover a new favorite corner of Northville or even get house-shopping ideas (that real estate eye can’t help but appreciate the beautiful homes and neighborhoods on display!). By day’s end, you’ll understand why this event has thrived for over thirty years and how it contributes to local beautification projects through the club’s fundraising.
Troy Garden Club Garden Walk
Date: July 9, 2025
Website: Troy Garden Club Garden Walk
Also on Wednesday, July 9, the Troy Garden Club will host its milestone 50th Annual Garden Walk, celebrating half a century of gardening camaraderie in the community. This year’s theme, “Garden Stories 2025,” highlights the personal narratives behind each garden. The walk is a bit unique in scheduling: the private gardens are open in two sessions (morning and afternoon from 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m., then an evening window from 5:00–8:30 p.m., rain or shine), giving attendees ample flexibility to tour around work or other obligations. Five curated home gardens are featured, plus a bonus stop – the Troy Historic Village. The Historic Village serves as the tour headquarters and is included with your ticket, offering free admission on Garden Walk day to its buildings and grounds. Here you’ll also find a wonderful Midsummer Arts & Crafts Boutique and Plant Sale running from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on July 9. Browse dozens of artisan vendors and pick up garden plants or gifts; it’s a mini festival in itself under the big tents at the Village green. Throughout the tour, keep an eye out for artists and musicians: plein air painters often set up their canvases in the gardens to capture floral scenes in real time, and occasionally there’s live music adding to the ambiance. The “Garden Stories” theme means many hosts will share the stories behind their gardens – whether it’s a collection of plants passed down through family, a design inspired by travels, or a makeover that turned a boring yard into a personal paradise. As you explore, you’ll not only see beautiful blooms and landscaping, but also feel the heart and creativity that went into them. The Troy Garden Walk’s 50th anniversary is truly a community celebration – one that invites everyone (kids included) to enjoy a day of art, history, and horticulture. It’s no wonder this event is often touted as one of the top things to do in Metro Detroit this summer for garden enthusiasts.
Clarkston Farm & Garden Club Walk
Date: July 16, 2025
Website: Clarkston Farm & Garden Club Walk
Rounding out the season, the Clarkston Farm & Garden Club will host its 19th Annual Garden Walk & Artisan Market on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. This tour runs from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., allowing for a leisurely afternoon or an after-work garden fix. Six unique private gardens are on display, including some beautiful lakefront gardens around the Clarkston area’s many lakes – think serene water views, boathouse flower beds, and rustic lake cottage landscaping. In addition to the self-guided garden tour, Clarkston puts its own spin on the event with a lively Artisan Market and a special dining perk for attendees. The artisan market, conveniently located near the downtown (often at Depot Park or another central spot), features local makers selling garden art, handmade goods, plants, and more, giving the event a fun street-fair atmosphere. And here’s a clever idea: the club partners with local restaurants to offer discount lunch coupons to Garden Walk participants. So you can spend the midday touring gardens, then relax at one of Clarkston’s quaint eateries – at a nice discount – before continuing your tour. It’s a wonderful way to showcase Clarkston’s hospitality and support small businesses while enjoying the walk. The community really gets involved; past years have seen restaurants and shops put out welcome signs and menu specials for garden walkers. The Clarkston Garden Walk is a delightful blend of garden inspiration and small-town charm. You’ll not only come away with new ideas for your own yard (the gardeners here are known for creative DIY landscape features and pollinator-friendly plantings), but also a warm appreciation for the Clarkston community. Many families attend together, making it an intergenerational outing – kids, parents, and grandparents strolling and pointing out their favorite flowers. If you’re looking to cap off your summer garden tour season with a relaxing day trip, Clarkston’s event should definitely be on your list.
Public Gardens
Metro Detroit is home to numerous public gardens and green spaces that are open beyond a single tour date – these are perfect destinations for a spontaneous afternoon out or a planned family adventure. Below are some of the best public gardens in Metro Detroit, each offering its own style of horticultural beauty, educational opportunities, and reasons to visit in summer 2025. From Detroit’s urban oases to historic estate gardens in the suburbs, you’ll find that these places are overflowing with flowers, scenery, and community spirit all season long.
Detroit Abloom – Detroit (Jefferson-Chalmers)
Date: June 25th through August 27th
Website: Detroit Abloom
A true hidden gem on the east side of the city, Detroit Abloom is a 2-acre urban farm and wellness garden blossoming in the middle of a residential Detroit neighborhood. Located in the Jefferson-Chalmers community (at 248 Manistique St.), this once-blighted piece of land has been transformed into a beautiful oasis of flowers and native plants. Stroll through Detroit Abloom and you’ll see row upon row of blooming dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers, and more – the site is actually a working cut-flower farm that provides bouquets to local markets. It’s also a community hub: the nonprofit behind Detroit Abloom offers a wellness garden for meditation and yoga classes, a kids’ program (“Kids Abloom”) to involve children in gardening, and even workshops on topics like beekeeping and native plant landscaping. There are picnic tables and shaded spots where you can sit and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. It’s inspiring to see how Detroit Abloom has engaged neighbors in greening their block – everything here, from the butterfly house to the vegetable plots, is tended with love by volunteers and residents. Visitors are welcome to drop in during open hours or during special events (they sometimes host plant sales, vegan food festivals, and community yoga). If you’re exploring Detroit and want to see community gardening at its best, Detroit Abloom is worth a stop. It showcases how urban gardening can revitalize a neighborhood and offers a calming retreat where you’d least expect it – truly embodying the spirit of Detroit’s resurgence in bloom.
Lafayette Greens – Downtown Detroit
Date: June 5th, 12th, 26th and July 3rd, 10th, 2025
Website: Lafayette Greens
An award-winning green space in the heart of downtown, Lafayette Greens is Detroit’s famous urban garden built on the site of a former building. Tucked next to the legendary Lafayette Coney Island restaurant, this garden is a pocket of nature amid the city’s hustle and bustle. Raised vegetable beds, herb plots, and flowering pollinator gardens fill the space, creating a vibrant contrast against surrounding office towers. Visitors will find public art installations sprinkled throughout – look for the whimsical bee sculptures and colorful mural that celebrate the garden’s pollinator theme. In fact, pollinator education is a big focus here: informational signs teach about bees, butterflies, and the native plants that support them. There’s plenty of seating (benches and café-style tables), making Lafayette Greens a popular lunchtime spot for downtown workers and an inviting rest stop for anyone touring the city. It’s common to see people eating a sandwich or reading a book under the pergola or kids exploring the little paths between garden beds. Managed by The Greening of Detroit, the garden often hosts volunteer workdays and the occasional workshop on urban farming, composting, or cooking demos with garden produce. Accessibility is great – it’s open to the public during daylight hours on weekdays (and often on weekends in summer for special programs). If you’re looking for a quick nature fix or a quiet family-friendly nook downtown, Lafayette Greens is a must-visit. It showcases how Detroit embraces green innovation, and it’s literally one of the sweetest things (thanks to the honeybees!) to see in the city.
Oudolf Garden Detroit (Belle Isle) – Detroit
Date: June 24, 2025
Website: Oudolf Garden Detroit (Belle Isle)
One of the crown jewels of Detroit’s public spaces, Oudolf Garden Detroit is a spectacular new garden on Belle Isle, designed by world-renowned Dutch garden designer Piet Oudolf. Spanning 3 acres along Belle Isle’s historic waterfront, the garden is a dreamscape of naturalistic perennial plantings that ebb and flow with the seasons. Oudolf’s signature style is on full display: drifts of grasses and flowering plants create a tapestry of textures and colors that look beautiful not just in summer, but even in autumn and winter. The garden is divided into areas including a Central Garden with bold blooms, a delicate Rain Garden for wetland plants, Piet’s Bird Border designed to attract and feed birds, and expansive Meadows that sway in the breeze. Winding pathways let you explore at leisure – it’s fun to see children playing “find the butterflies” as monarchs and swallowtails flutter among the coneflowers and asters. Because it’s on Belle Isle, you also get gorgeous views of the Detroit River and city skyline as a backdrop to the flowers. Make sure to also visit the adjacent Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, the glass-domed greenhouse that reopened in late 2024 after a major restoration. The conservatory (free admission) is filled with tropical palms, cacti, and ferns, and it complements the outdoor Oudolf Garden perfectly – together they make Belle Isle a botanical paradise. Belle Isle Park itself offers many other family attractions (aquarium, playgrounds, biking trails), so you can truly make a day of it. The Oudolf Garden, though, is the newest star: it’s already a favorite spot for photographers and nature lovers, and it cements Detroit’s place on the map for innovative garden design.
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Meadow Brook Hall, Facebook
Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens – Rochester
Date: June 5, 2025
Website: Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens
If you’re yearning for a touch of old-world elegance with your garden stroll, Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester is the place to go. This historic mansion – once the home of Matilda Dodge Wilson – is surrounded by extensive formal gardens and grounds that transport you to a European estate right here in Metro Detroit. A visit to Meadow Brook is like stepping back in time, where manicured hedges and classical statues meet whimsical garden cottages and floral displays. Key features of the gardens include the charming Breakfast Garden (a cozy spot where the family likely took morning tea), the grand Pegasus Fountain splashing water amid blooming annuals, a traditional rose garden perfuming the air, a rocky moonlit garden designed for night-time beauty, and even a Tudor-style teahouse nestled among English walled flower beds. Each section of the grounds has its own atmosphere, from the formal elegance of the Walled Garden to the shady serenity of the woodland paths. In summer, everything is lush and green, with pops of color from roses, lilies, and hydrangeas. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Meadow Brook Hall itself – highly recommended to appreciate the architecture and family history – and then wander the gardens on a self-guided basis. Often there are special events, like garden teatime tours, outdoor concerts, or even scavenger hunts for kids, using the gardens as a backdrop (for example, a Mother’s Day tea or seasonal flower workshops are common). With its mix of cultural history and horticulture, Meadow Brook is a wonderful outing for families. Children can play pretend in the gardens (there’s something storybook-like about the grounds), while adults can admire the fine details and maybe get ideas for formal gardening at home. Don’t forget your camera – between the vine-covered brick walls, the sunlight filtering through old oak trees, and the reflective pools, Meadow Brook Hall offers picture-perfect scenes at every turn.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum – Ann Arbor
Date: June 6-30, 2025
Website: Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum
For an immersive nature experience with a blend of curated gardens and wild landscapes, Ann Arbor’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum (affiliated with the University of Michigan) is a top pick. This dual-campus destination – locals often shorten it to just “Matthaei” and “the Arb” – provides something for everyone, from toddlers to seasoned botanists. At Matthaei Botanical Gardens (located about 10 minutes drive from downtown Ann Arbor), you’ll find a large indoor conservatory filled with tropical plants, cacti, and orchids, plus 11 outdoor themed gardens to explore. Stroll through the herb knot garden, let the kids check out the fairy garden and giant bee houses in the children’s garden, admire bonsai trees in the serene bonsai courtyard, and inhale the fragrances of the perennial garden – there’s always something in bloom. Nature trails extend beyond the formal gardens into a 300-acre research reserve of wetlands, woods, and prairies, where you might spot sandhill cranes or wild turkeys. Meanwhile, back in the city near U-M’s campus, Nichols Arboretum offers a more rustic retreat. The Arb spans wooded hills along the Huron River and is famous for its historic Peony Garden, which bursts into spectacular bloom each June with over 270 heirloom peony cultivars (one of the largest collections in North America). When the peonies are at peak (typically early to mid-June), expect a carnival of color and fragrance – it’s a popular time for engagement photos and family outings. Even after peony season, the Arb is wonderful for hiking, riverbank picnics, and even sledding down the grass hills (for the kids) later in the year. Both Matthaei and the Arb are free to visit (Matthaei charges only for parking) which makes them accessible to everyone. They also host plant sales, classes, and summer evening concerts occasionally – check their calendar for fun events like the spring plant sale or outdoor yoga. Whether you want to learn about plants, let your children connect with nature, or simply find peace among the blooms, Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum are a treasure in the Metro Detroit/Ann Arbor area.
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House – Grosse Pointe Shores
Date: June 12, 2025
Website: Edsel and Eleanor Ford House
On a sunny day by Lake St. Clair, few places are as enchanting as the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House grounds in Grosse Pointe Shores. This estate, once the home of Edsel Ford (son of Henry Ford) and his wife Eleanor, offers 87 acres of rolling lawns, formal gardens, and natural woodlands along the scenic lakeshore. It’s open to the public for tours and general visitation, allowing everyone to enjoy the beautiful landscape and learn a bit of local history. Start at the new Visitor Center, then venture out to explore the gardens: you’ll find a rose garden with blooms of every hue, charming vine-covered pergolas, and a lily pond where frogs hop between pads. The formal flower gardens near the house are designed in classic styles (Eleanor Ford had a hand in their design), while other areas of the estate have been left as picturesque meadows and natural shoreline. Walking paths wind throughout, leading you to discoveries like an impressive collection of flowering shrubs, a restored historic Pool Garden, and the children’s Play House cottage (a petite play-scale house gifted to the Ford children, now a delight to see from outside). One of the highlights is simply the view of Lake St. Clair – many gardens back right up to the water, and there are benches where you can sit and watch sailboats glide by. Families will appreciate the open space: kids can run on the lawn and watch ducks and swans in the lagoon, while parents admire the landscape and perhaps snap photos of the iconic stone mansion in the background. The Ford House often hosts events like outdoor concerts, garden tours, bird-watching walks, and holiday celebrations, so keep an eye on their schedule for any special happenings during the summer. Even something as simple as their weekend brunch or afternoon tea events allow you to dine with a waterfront garden view (for instance, a special Mother’s Day brunch took place in their lakeside room amid spring blooms). Visiting Edsel & Eleanor Ford House is a magical blend of culture and nature – you walk away with an appreciation for the Fords’ legacy, some garden design inspiration, and a serene feeling from enjoying such a sweeping, beautiful landscape by the lake.
Cranbrook House & Gardens – Bloomfield Hills
Date: June 26 to August 31, 2025
Website: Cranbrook House & Gardens
For those who love grand gardens with a side of art and architecture, Cranbrook House & Gardens in Bloomfield Hills is a must-visit. Part of the famed Cranbrook Educational Community (which includes museums and schools), Cranbrook House is a 1908 English Tudor manor set amid 40 acres of spectacular gardens and natural scenery. More than 20 distinct garden areas blanket the estate, giving visitors a lot to explore. There’s the Sunken Garden, an elegant formal garden bursting with colorful annuals arranged in symmetrical designs; the Herb Garden, fragrant with basil, lavender, and rosemary; a tranquil Japanese Garden surrounding a reflective pond; and the Sculpture Garden featuring works by artists like Carl Milles tucked among the greenery. Stately old trees tower over manicured lawns, and stone terraces offer panoramic views of lakes and fountains on the property. Walking through Cranbrook Gardens is like walking through a living museum – you’ll encounter ornate gates, whimsical fountains, and even a picturesque creek and waterfalls. It’s very much a place where you can choose your own adventure: some visitors love hunting for all the different sculptures and artistic details, while others find a quiet bench to read or sketch the scenery. Children often enjoy the scavenger-hunt maps available, which guide them to find certain flowers or statues (a fun way to keep them engaged). The gardens are typically open daily in the summer months, and admission is free (a small donation or parking fee may apply). Guided tours of Cranbrook House interior are available on select days as well, which can enrich your visit with stories of the Booth family who built the estate. Garden events are also on the calendar, such as plant sales (a big Native Plant Sale usually happens in May), outdoor art installations, or twilight tours. As you wander, don’t miss the reflecting pool below the house – on a calm day it perfectly mirrors the mansion and the sky, a picture-worthy moment for sure. In all, Cranbrook House & Gardens offers a tranquil, fairytale-like escape not far from the city, where you can appreciate the harmony of horticulture, art, and history. It’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re in modern times for a while, ideal for a romantic stroll, a family afternoon out, or even a contemplative solo walk among the blooms.
Metro Detroit’s public and private gardens truly showcase the region’s beauty, creativity, and community spirit. From one-day private garden walks that let you sneak a peek into your neighbors’ backyards, to magnificent public gardens that are open all season, there’s no shortage of green goodness to enjoy. This summer, make it a point to explore a few of these tours and parks – bring your family, invite some friends, or go solo for a peaceful retreat. Not only will you come away with gardening ideas and lovely photos, but you’ll also be supporting local clubs and conservancies that keep our communities blooming.
So, check your calendar and grab tickets to an upcoming garden walk, or plan a weekend visit to one of the best public gardens in Metro Detroit. Share this blog with fellow nature lovers and neighbors – you never know who might be inspired to join you on a garden adventure. By participating in these events and visits, you’re helping to sustain traditions that make Metro Detroit’s neighborhoods special. And who knows – you might discover a new favorite spot or even meet a new friend among the peonies and pollinator beds!
Lastly, stay tuned for more seasonal guides and local recommendations. Metro Detroit’s community life is vibrant year-round, and we’ll continue to highlight the best things to do in Detroit and the surrounding area – from summer gardens to fall festivals and beyond. Until then, happy garden touring, and enjoy all the natural beauty our region has to offer this summer!
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