Belle Isle Garden: A Legacy of Vision and Leadership

GCA Members Instrumental in Facilitating Oudolf Native Plant Garden in Detroit

March 05, 2025

By: Shawn Spain

When Garden Club of Michigan (GCM) member Jean Hudson suggested engaging renowned landscape architect Piet Oudolf to design a garden in Detroit, GCM’s then-President Maura Campbell wrote a “Love Letter from Detroit” to Oudolf.  Hudson’s inspiration and Campbell’s powers of persuasion enticed Oudolf to bring his creative genius to Belle Isle Park.

Oudolf, celebrated for his work on New York’s High Line and other iconic gardens, is known for naturalistic designs that showcase the enduring beauty of perennial plants throughout the seasons. Under Campbell’s leadership, the Garden Club of Michigan undertook the ambitious task of enhancing Belle Isle with one of Oudolf’s signature creations. The club worked tirelessly to secure funding, galvanize community support, and turn this visionary idea into a flourishing reality.

Final phase completed in October 2024, the Oudolf Garden has become a crown jewel of Belle Isle, drawing visitors to its dynamic interplay of color, texture, and ecology. Designed to evolve year-round, the garden embodies Oudolf’s philosophy of “planting for the future,” a principle that mirrors Campbell’s lasting legacy.

Campbell’s passing on October 13, 2024, has left a profound void, but her passion for green spaces and belief in their transformative power continues to inspire.  The Oudolf Garden on Belle Isle stands as a living testament to Hudson’s and Campbell’s vision, the dedication of volunteers and the mission of the Garden Club of America.

Maura Campbell’s dedication has gifted Detroit a sanctuary of beauty and reflection. Her efforts ensure the Oudolf Garden will inspire generations, forever entwined with her memory.

( Ryan Southen Photography)