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Geese Are Nesting on Grounds
Spring is here, and that means some of our feathered friends are nesting on the grounds. While exploring, please be aware of geese, as they can be protective of their nests. For your safety, we advise all guests to walk at their own risk and give geese plenty of space. Thank you for helping us respect our wildlife! 🦆🌿
Gardens & Grounds
A living legacy of beauty, vision, and preservation.
Ford House’s gardens and grounds offer a rare glimpse into early 20th-century American landscape design, shaped by the vision of Eleanor and Edsel Ford and the artistry of renowned landscape architect Jens Jensen.
We invite you to stroll, reflect, and experience the spirit of this extraordinary place.
The Rose Garden
A Wheel of Blooms
Designed by Jens Jensen, the Rose Garden is arranged in a wagon-wheel shape, centered around a lotus blossom fountain. Lilacs, hollyhocks, forget-me-nots, and violets frame nearly 15 varieties of pastel-hued roses, honoring Eleanor Ford’s preference for soft, natural beauty.
Fun Fact: In 2023, the historic fountain was carefully restored, and paint analysis ensured that the color reflected its original, historic finish.
Guests explore the summer beauty of the Rose Garden, a favorite seasonal destination at Ford House.
The Formal Garden
From Playground to Peaceful Retreat
Once a children’s playground, the Formal Garden was reimagined in 1930 by Marshall Johnson, Jensen’s son-in-law. Today it features a limestone reflecting pool and vibrant annuals, offering a serene, colorful space for guests to enjoy.
Did You Know? The reflecting pool is built from Wisconsin’s famed Lannon stone, which is also used in other features across the estate.
Grosse Pointe Theatre brings Shakespeare to life in the Formal Garden during the 2024 Shakespeare Stroll, with a stirring scene from Julius Caesar performed beside the reflecting pool.
Preservation and Stewardship
Honoring the Past, Caring for the Future
Ford House’s landscaping team carefully preserves the estate’s historic gardens using best practices in historic preservation. Restoration projects, like the Rose Garden fountain, honor the original intent while ensuring the gardens continue to thrive for generations to come.
Highlight: Many original pathways and terraces were designed with grass joints, a feature selectively restored today for authenticity.
Design Legacy
Crafted by Visionaries
The estate’s original landscape designs, personally reviewed by Edsel Ford and architect Albert Kahn, are preserved in detailed construction drawings. Their collaboration created a property where every stone and every bloom tells a story.
Explore the Estate
Your Path Awaits
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Wander the winding paths of the gardens and grounds.
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Visit the Rose Garden, Formal Garden, lakeside vistas, and historic structures.
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Enjoy the seasonal blooms — each season brings new beauty to discover.
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Special Thanks
Ford House is grateful for the generous support of Ford Motor Company Fund and helping us fulfill our educational mission and making Ford House more accessible to our community.
About Ford House
Ford House is a 501c3 nonprofit and National Historic Landmark. Experience the historic family home of Edsel Ford, the only son of Henry Ford, and his wife, Eleanor. Visitors from all over the world come to wander, wonder, and explore the beauty of this 1928 National Historic Landmark and uncover a unique piece of the American automotive story in metro Detroit. Learn more below.