Dearborn in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Nature vs. Nurture
Photographed By Joel Seewald, August 11, 2022
1. Nature vs. Nurture Marker
This new marker, with the same text and images as the original, was placed in 2022.
Inscription.
Nature vs. Nurture. . In 1926, a 2.5-acre rose garden was designed for this meadow, with the help of landscape architect Herbert Kellaway and rosarian Harriet Foote. Once completed, the garden contained approximately 10,000 rose plants of 400 varieties and cost more than $200,000. Other features in the "key hole" design included a screened summerhouse, a pergola, several ponds, and a stone bridge. As president of the National Women's Farm and Garden Association and the Garden Club of Dearborn, Mrs. Ford invited many groups to visit the gardens and join her for summer teas. , , In 1915, the Fords hired noted landscape designer Jens Jensen to landscape their property surrounding their new home. As a result, a series of meadows and informal gardens was planned and built northwest of the home, including this area. Jensen was a major proponent of designing landscapes that appeared natural and featured native plants. Although Mrs. Ford liked the informal gardens, she decided to redesign this meadow as a formal rose garden, as recommended by Harriet Foote. As a result, Jens Jensen resigned.
In 1926, a 2.5-acre rose garden was designed for this meadow, with the help of landscape architect Herbert Kellaway and rosarian Harriet Foote. Once completed, the garden contained approximately 10,000 rose plants of 400 varieties and cost more than $200,000. Other features in the "key hole" design included a screened summerhouse, a pergola, several ponds, and a stone bridge. As president of the National Women's Farm and Garden Association and the Garden Club of Dearborn, Mrs. Ford invited many groups to visit the gardens and join her for summer teas.
In 1915, the Fords hired noted landscape designer Jens Jensen to landscape their property surrounding their new home. As a result, a series of meadows and informal gardens was planned and built northwest of the home, including this area. Jensen was a major proponent of designing landscapes that appeared natural and featured native plants. Although Mrs. Ford liked the informal gardens, she decided to redesign this meadow as a formal rose garden, as recommended by Harriet Foote. As a result, Jens Jensen resigned.
Erected by Fair Lane and MotorCities National Heritage Area.
Location. 42° 18.985′ N, 83° 14.114′ W. Marker is in Dearborn, Michigan, in Wayne County. Marker can be reached from Fair Lane Drive, 0.3 miles west of Evergreen Road. This marker is found on the grounds of the Henry Ford Estate, Fair Lane, about 1/4 mile from the mansion. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Fair Lane Drive, Dearborn MI 48128, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The original marker was placed by the Henry Ford Estate and MotorCities National Heritage Area.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 13, 2016
3. Left image
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 13, 2016
4. Right image
Today, nature has won the battle over nurture in this area. But remnants of this designed landscape, along with historic photographs and plans, provide clues to its once nurtured condition.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 13, 2016
5. Nature vs. Nurture Marker
Closeup of the map.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 13, 2016
6. Nature vs. Nurture Marker
The Lily Pond is behind the marker on the left and the summer house can be seen on the right.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 13, 2016
7. Nature vs. Nurture Marker
View from the summer house overlooking the lily pond. The bridge is barely visible at the end of the middle path.
Photographed By Joel Seewald, September 13, 2016
8. Bridge
View from the pergola area, with the small stone bridge in front, looking towards the summer house.
Credits. This page was last revised on March 14, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 19, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 233 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on March 14, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on October 19, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.