The Rose Garden

Roses were Eleanor Ford’s favorite flower, and the Rose Garden she planted on the shores of Lake St. Clair reflects that love with precision and care.

More than 800 rose plants line the circling paths of the Rose Garden, which reaches peak bloom twice a year: first in June, then again in September. The garden is a destination in its own right at both moments, but it earns a visit in any season. The structure of the paths, the low stone walls, and the views toward the lake make it one of the most quietly beautiful spaces on the estate.

Jens Jensen designed the broader grounds of Ford House, and the Rose Garden sits within the landscape he imagined for the estate: naturalistic in character, shaped around the terrain and the water rather than imposed upon it.

The Rose Garden is accessible with any Ford House admission ticket and is open year-round during estate hours. From the Rose Garden, follow the path toward the Recreation Building, the Pool and Lagoon, and the Main Residence.