Name of Garden:
Cooley Gardens
History:
Cooley Gardens was established in 1938 with the gift of the land to the City of Lansing solely as a public park from Eugene F. Cooley, an important Lansing industrialist. The initial design for the gardens was created by Edward H. Laird of Birmingham, Michigan, a noted landscape architect. Construction was started in 1940 and by 1942 the major work was completed. The gardens were dedicated to "the horticultural education and pleasure of garden lovers".
Description:
Typical of the formal estate gardens popular in the early part of this century, the park is composed of garden rooms enclosed by shrubbery, each with a different planting theme. Within the garden's formal structure the plantings have the informal exuberance of an English cottage garden. Roses tumble together with perennials spilling out of their beds, while stately hedges provide a sense of order. Expansive open spaces, where concerts and weddings are held, contrast with small intimate areas where the garden visitor is invited to look more closely at the plantings.
The plant collections at Cooley Gardens are eclectic, featuring many rare and unique specimens. The extensive peony collection includes several tree peonies. The rose garden features David Austin English roses and classic old roses interplanted with a lavish mixture of perennials in the style of Gertrude Jekyll and old fashioned cottage gardens. Irises, hostas, hydrangeas and columbines are just a few of the many interesting plant collections.
Address:
Located by the intersection of Capitol and Main Street, just a few blocks south of the Capitol -- (517) 483-4332
Directions:
Located just south of the intersection of Main Street and Capitol Avenue in Lansing. Between the Michigan Women's Historical Museum and the Scott Center. If you are headed south on Capitol Avenue, you will encounter a stop light at Main Street. The entrance to the Cooley Gardens parking lot will be directly across Main Street.
Admission and Hours:
Daily - 9AM - 5PM.
No Admission Charged
Website:
http://www.cooleygardens.org/ |
