The Landscapes & Gardens of Washtenaw County Parks

Washtenaw  County Parks and Preserves are renowned for their unique and scenic natural landscapes. 

We encourage visitors to make frequent seasonal "horticultural" forays to study interesting and diverse flora in a wide variety of ecosystems and habitat; and to delight in the ever changing "designed" displays of flowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees (both ornamental and native) throughout the park gardens.

The following links will show you some special horticultural treasures to look for as you make your way along the many park trails (nature, walking and exercise) around various park facilities and throughout other park features.

•  Parker Mill  - Native plant demonstration gardens
•  Independence Lake  - A mixture of "Close Native" and native grasses and forbs
•  Pierce Lake Golf Course & Park - New and variable rock garden plantings
•  Rolling Hills Park - Lush, colorful ornamental & native landscaping
•  Sharon Mills - "Old Fashion" (but not invasive) landscaping gardens
•  County Farm Park - A variety of small & large gardens and landscape areas

To learn more about the many ecological and horticultural features in all our Washtenaw County Parks and Preserves, look for upcoming plant identification lists, brochures, demonstrations and educational programs. 

The County Farm Park perennial garden already has plant ID signs on site, and there are interpretation signs at Sharon Mills, Parker Mill, and Independence Lake.  Additional signage is anticipated at other park locations in the near future.

Find out how you and your family might get involved with Natural Areas Stewardship and Garden Touring, contact the Park Horticulturist.