Marc Whitefield, June 11, 2016

Located on what was formerly known as Franklin Lake, this garden is surrounded by 26 acres of natural wilderness separated on 2 sides by an 8ft deer fence. The Franklin branch of the Rouge River and pond provide the back setting of what feels like Northern Michigan. This is an unsuspecting arrangement in the back of a cul-de-sac on a residential street. This garden has been evolving since 1989 with expansion that includes a portion of the neighboring property. An avid hosta collector and hybridizer, the owner’s collection includes over 700 different hosta, including many unique hybridized plants not available commercially. Spaced throughout are over 50 specimen of Japanese maples, hydrangeas, ferns, perennials, conifers, lilies, roses, vines and garden ornaments that reflect the efforts of a compulsive gardener. All of this is contained in a woodland setting dissected by a winding pathway giving close access to all plants.