Out and About in Detroit

Detroit is a city of contrasts. Much less publicized, but no less interesting than its industrial decay are its thriving public spaces and gardens. For a traveler, there are seasonal garden events to view and if you’re lucky, exclusive access to many of the Detroit area’s wonderful private gardens. There are also Segway tours available for downtown Detroit and its environs that encompass both the visual up and downside of the city.

In the lively center of downtown Detroit, Camp Maritus Park is a lively, fun, and visually surprising summer treat. Designated in 2010 as one of the best public spaces in the United States, it offers a full range of outdoor experiences in the summer. Winter ice skating rinks become a sandy beach populated with young families and local hipsters as well as an outdoor stage with a Tiki Hut and neighboring bistro with outdoor dining that borders a large central fountain. The Chase Building, adjacent to the park has a public lounge area complete with offbeat canine inspired planters and brightly colored outdoor furniture. The lounge, which is popular day and night, was conceived by Kelly Deines from Rossetti Architects and implemented by Deborah Silver & Co.

Also downtown is Lafayette Greens, an urban garden that promotes biodiversity and urban greening on every level. It was designed by local landscape architect, Ken Weikal.

Metropolitan Detroit is measured by roads with names that note just how far they are from the city center. On the way out of downtown, the public spaces at DTE Energy Headquarters embrace simplicity. Designed by Grissim, Metz & Andriese, the showpiece is a large water feature viewable from the street. Adjacent is an interesting hidden meditative space open to the public. Mounds of turf and sedum form a sculptural landscape that is a distant relative of medieval labyrinths.

Slightly further away from downtown near Thirteen Mile Road in Troy is the headquarters for the Kresge Foundation. Its green headquarters incorporate and update the historic Brook Farm with sustainable technologies and practices. Gabion walls rest easily with 19th century farm buildings and masses of naturalistic plantings. A contemporary addition has views of the entire wetland and upland prairie that has been created on site. It’s a small sustainable oasis in the midst of large suburban corporate parking lots and mowed lawns.

For those who love to shop, one of the best garden stores in the United States, Detroit Garden Works is located here. Detroit Garden Works is the brainchild of landscape designer Deborah Silver and her buyer and store manager RobYedinak. They source and sell some of the world’s finest garden furniture and accessories in a wonderfully merchandised shop just outside of Detroit in Sylvan Lake. Annual treks to Europe to scout and buy interesting and unusual pieces result in a classic look with a distinct point of view that is both artisanal and traditional. There are very few garden shops of this caliber in the U.S. so it’s worth the 20 minute drive from downtown.