NORTHVILLIANS,
Over the past few weeks, we have celebrated The Fourth of July Activities in the Ville, our Summer Car-Crazy cruising attitude with the Concours show at Mill Race this past weekend and next week, we will touch on swimming getaways. Today, we continue the summer theme by highlighting special garden activities. Appropriately, the Northville Garden Walk sponsored by the Country Garden Club of Northville was held last week, and the Beautification Commission’s annual awards are being awarded as this is being published.
Before looking at our Gardening DNA, let’s see what’s happening today:
- Mill Race Village is now open Sundays, 1-4 PM – Stroll the newly bricked lane, visit the blooming gardens and historic buildings.
- Upcoming Music/Concerts/Events – Chamber/DDA Link, Maybury Link, Marquis Link, Northville Winery Link, NOMI Link, Genitti’s Link, Tipping Point Theatre Link
- The Beautification Commission seeks members. It meets on the second Tuesday monthly & seasonally serving as an advisory body to promote & administer projects, on behalf of the City, to uphold aesthetic standards of public and private properties. Link
- Commander Ed Huyck of the Northville VFW Post 4012 was interviewed by CBS Detroit about efforts to improve our Veterans area of Rural Hill Cemetery (our little Arlington). See link for info on how to support the project. Link
INFO FOR CITIZENS...
PROJECTS AROUND TOWN
- Ford Field – Phase I: Check out the Waterfall at Ford Field. Phase II (now starting): Scrub tree’s being cleared, New DTE poles being installed and more renovations on the top side being started this week. (Vista overlook, fencing, staircase upgrades, ADA entrance). New playscape & Bathrooms to follow.
- Riverwalk – Riverwalk/Pathway system coming together at the Downs - 1100 trees are on site at the River Park, DTE is readying their Substation area for the Riverwalk. Bridge embankments across the Downs riverwalk section being constructed and the entombed river will flow above ground soon. The entire 10 Acre+ park will be roughed in by fall.
- Downs Initiative – Progressing (Infrastructure/Townhomes/Apartments/Parks & houses this fall)
- Farmers’ Market – This Northville gathering place was made possible by the Township and the City working together. Visit the Farmers’ Market across from Custard Time (550 7 Mile), Thursdays, 8am - 2pm, May-October. Future event planning includes: Car shows, (2nd Saturday monthly), drive-in movies, festivals, carnivals. etc.
- Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives – Link
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Now let's take a look at some of our Historic Garden Clubs and Beautification Commission efforts in Town:
I grew up in one of Northville’s first Better Homes & Gardens houses, which was the old Eaton home in Orchard Heights. I’m still on that street today, with the largest tree in the City right in front. When young, I would plant close to 500 dahlias yearly for my folks, along with keeping up the fruit trees and the vegetable gardens around our home.
Northville Garden Club
1936 – The Northville Garden Club branch of the Michigan National Farm & Garden Association first met in town in 1936 at the New School Church (in Mill Race Village today).
- The Northville branch was sponsored by the National President who spent a great deal of time in Northville. Her name was Mrs. Henry Ford (Clara Bryant). The National Women’s Farm & Garden Club originated in 1914. In the 1880’s, Henry and Clara spent their honeymoon here and later brought their friends to town including the Vagabonds group (Thomas Edison, Harvey Firestone, & John Burroughs), to show off our gardens.
- In 1998, the branch was changed to Northville Garden Club. They are approaching their 90th anniversary in 2026.
Country Garden Club of Northville
- The Northville Country Garden branch of the Woman’s National Farm & Garden Association was established in 1977 (members maintain gardens in many public spaces).
Beautification Commission
- The Northville Beautification Commission was established in 1967, and they are gearing up to present their 2025 Beautification Awards (look for signs around town soon). The Commission encourages the planting and preservation of trees, flowers, and shrubbery to improve the appearance of Northville.
Our Trees Are Part of our Beauty, Too …
- Behind City Hall is a heritage Elm that was carved last year with history markers representing the journey Northville has seen … stop by and take a look (Wing & Cady).
Northville Tree Champions Are Hard at Work:
- Northville Tree Champions (NTC) is a non-profit, citizen-led advocacy organization that promotes tree appreciation, protection, preservation, and new tree planting (40+ members). Thanks in part to their efforts, the City of Northville is a Tree City USA.
- The team sponsors in-person events and tours and created the Majestic Tree Tour. This online walking guide takes you on a stroll around Northville to discover some of the towering giants that make our community special. Learn more about NTC: Link
You can see with our topography of hills, water and greenspaces, we have a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings. The flowers, vegetation, and sustainability of this community over the years has been a high priority. Our Garden Club groups, along with our Beautification Commission, have long played a big part in supporting Northville’s natural splendor.
As our Bicentennial approaches, future River Pathways along our waterways will be adorned with planting areas. Let’s keep our community engaged in beautification activities for both today and for future tomorrows. Again, I highly encourage you to help preserve and protect our gardening legacy.
Keep that "Hamlet in the Hills" and "Switzerland of Wayne County" Faith!
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