Hidden Landscape Gems

by Heather Prince

Grosse Point Lighthouse in Evanston, a lush wildflower garden spreads a dazzling carpet of native spring flowers in a thoughtfully designed naturalistic landscape. This lovely site has deep historical roots. The Grosse Point promontory was named by French fur traders in the 17th century as they navigated the shores of Lake Michigan trading with the Potawatomi tribes. It was charted by Marquette and Joliet in 1673 and legend holds that Marquette camped at the site the following year.

As shipping on Lake Michigan increased in the 1800s, several wrecks occurred on the treacherous shoals offshore from the point. In 1873, a lighthouse was constructed along with a duplex home in the Italianate style for the lighthouse keepers. The lighthouse featured a second-order Fresnel lens kept running by the keepers until it was automated in 1934. Briefly extinguished during WWII, the light remains operational under the supervision of the Lighthouse Park District.

In 1937, the Garden Club of Evanston was granted permission by the park board to plant a wildflower trail. The club hired Jens Jensen to draw up the plans. He called for native herbs to be planted under the shade of the existing black oaks, honey locusts, basswood, sugar and silver maples, black cherries, and American elms. Jensen’s plan called for more oaks, weeping birches, wild crabapples and cherries, and witch hazels. The design mimics the appearance of a natural woodland, only with plants grouped in masses for a showy effect. The first planting included eight varieties of native violets, a fern collection, and hundreds of wild plants, many of them rescued from highway or residential development or donated from the gardens of garden club members. A fountain was installed west of the picnic shelter on the south side and eventually a garden seat was added. Over the years, the Evanston Garden Club has faithfully maintained the gardens through occasional necessary renovations.

Today, you can stroll the crushed stone paths and soak in the splendid sweeps of Virginia bluebells in the spring interspersed with mayapple, shooting star, trillium, toothwort, twin leaf, bloodroot, hepatica, dogtooth violet and more. Over 40 species of woodland wildflowers and 9 species of native ferns are featured including rare showy lady slippers. Myriad birds call in the branches of the oaks and maples. Bees hum as they gather nectar, and you may see the occasional shimmering dart of a hummingbird. Pink sprays of redbud complement the spring show while the fluffy pink flowers of Joe Pye weed signal the end of summer.

An excellent example of naturalistic plantings that seamlessly blend into the historic grounds, the Grosse Point Lighthouse Wildflower Trail Garden reflects Jensen’s deep commitment to native plantings. It’s a small garden and easy to miss, but worth seeking out, especially in spring. Stop by this quiet spot for inspiration or rejuvenation.