Trial Gardens
The Trial Gardens are located on the lakeside of the Grosse Pointe War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms. They are open to the public Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Trial Gardens were commissioned in 1952 by the nascent Grosse Pointe Garden Center. The wheel-shaped design was created by landscape architect Eleanor Roche as test gardens for new varieties of annuals and bulbs. Nine perimeter and four inner plots emanate from an 18th-century granite millstone from the former Windmill Pointe gristmill, donated by George Lauhoff.
Today eight perimeter plots are planted and maintained by local garden clubs in an annual competition. The largest plot is managed by the Garden Center as a victory garden. The four inner plots are dedicated as herb gardens representing culinary, fragrance, medicinal, and wedding themes. They are designed, planted, and maintained by the Herb Society of America, Grosse Pointe Unit.
Installation weeks: May 11 -15, May 18 – 22, and May 26 – 29.
Design Requirements: The primary colors should be red, white, and blue, in keeping with the patriotic theme.
Plants:
Other features:
Judging weeks: June 22 – 26, July 27 – 31, August 24 – 28, 2026.
Herb Gardens
ther to enjoy this popular end-of-summer celebratory event. Attendees enjoyed a sumptuous tea followed by the announcement of the judges’ top three designs. Our featured speaker, Alaine Bush, gave a wonderful presentation on “Lessons from our Victory Gardens.”
