Master of the Naturalistic Planting Style - Jens Jensen

In this video, I dive into the intriguing world of landscape architect Jens Jensen. A man whose views on nature and conservation were ahead of their time.

Jensen Jensen was a master of what we now call the naturalistic style of gardening.

Jens Jensen’s journey is a tale of transformation, vision, and resilience. Starting as a laborer in Chicago, Jensen rose to become one of America’s most influential landscape architects, shaping spaces for industrial leaders and communities alike. His work not only helped establish urban parks and green spaces but also popularized the Prairie Style, emphasizing native plants and sustainable, ecologically harmonious designs. In this video, I explore Jensen’s incredible legacy, his partnership with Henry Ford, and the bold stands he took to preserve the natural beauty of America’s landscapes.

Discover the design features of the Henry Ford Estate, Jensen’s innovative approach to meadows, rock gardens, and naturalistic stonework, and hear about the unexpected drama with Clara Ford that shaped his later career. Today, Jensen’s philosophy reminds us that access to nature is essential for human well-being.

Thanks for watching.

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Credit for images and video clips used in this video
Historical film clips provided by the library of Congress

Images of Jens Jensen used with the kind permission of The Clearing Folk School. Thank you.

Images of Henry and Clara Ford are in public domain and taken from Wiki Commons.

Images of Jensen's landscape plans from the Henry Ford website and the Jens Jensen archive at the University of Michigan

Misc images from wiki commons as referenced below:
Bayview, MI railroad

West Atlas oil spill image
Dead fish image public domain wiki
Steel plant along coast – public domain

Photo archive Chicago parks

Columbus Park Lily Pond
South Chicago empty lot near steel mill

Dam at the Henry Ford Estate – Wiki free use license

Reference materials used to understand the life and work of Jens Jensen:
Jensen article Haiti Trust – Jensen: Landscape architect by Ragna Bergliot Eskil in American Scandinavian Review

Article written by Jensen about his work from the archives of Saturday Evening Post dated March 8, 1930.

Grese, Robert E. "Jens Jensen: Maker of Natural Parks and Gardens (Creating the North American Landscape)." Paperback edition, published on June 25, 1998.

Jens Jensen memoir
Jensen, Jens. "Siftings." Johns Hopkins University Press, 1990.

#JensJensen #PrairieStyle #LandscapeArchitecture #HistoricGardens #UrbanParks #GreenSpaces #NativePlants #HenryFordEstate #NatureInspired #AmericanHistory #gardendesign

[michaelfunk]

I discovered your channel recently. I like your narrative style.
Your approach to suburban design is refreshing. Your advocacy of native plant use is timely and important.
The video on Jensen was very interesting.
I hope those of us who have converted our lawns for the benefit of biodiversity can inspire others to do the same.
We are in "year two" of our five year plan. The rewards of this stewardship are already being seen with new colors, lifeforms, and fragrances.
What a gift nature provides!

[thequarrygardener]

Another great historical account of a landscaper I hadn’t heard of. Your video production is also brilliant, you are becoming a very accomplished moviemaker.

[ahermitslife]

Love the history. Nice to learn of someone who lived more by principle than cash flow.

[karinhamann]

Thank you for sharing the story about Jens Jensen. I loved hearing his comments about the beauty of the prairie. I went to college in the midwest coming from the East Coast. I learned to see the beauty in the prairie and the native plants. Jens had great foresight when he spoke about how man was destroying the earth at that time, but sad that we did not listen.

[truthbetold]

I learned of Jens Jensen from Martha Stewart when she wrote about her mansion in Maine built for the Ford family. Impressive landscape design!

[jaysea]

When you make this type of video I feel as if I’m right there with you, and I get a wonderful education in a small amount of time! I also love the videos of your garden! Thank you. Peace-

[JoAnnBlondin]

Great video Sue. So interesting. Jenson was a great preserver of natural landscapes and also able to create beautiful long lasting parks. And the boat house with the layered stone is fabulous. Thanks for sharing this piece of garden history.

[PeggyMills]

I enjoyed this story immensely. It ended too soon for me. So glad that Jensen held firm to his convictions regardless of the cost. We need more of that today.

[karysu]

Very interesting to learn about Jensens design for natural landscaping. Beautiful composition of this video of his gardening legacy. A true artist and naturalist.

[sallyday]

I’d never heard of Jens and I thank you for bringing his story to us. Extremely interesting! I’m certainly enjoying your channel.

[KatesGarden]

You’re getting quite good at these garden history stories. Thanks so much!

[kristywhited]

Very interesting! I loved this video so much, I shared it on my own FB page. A lot can be learned from this visionary, but until your video I knew nothing of him or his contributions. You're a great narrator and teacher!!

[BillGeorge-cgje]

I grew up in Beverly and spent many happy days at Crescent Park, which he designed. I later worked for Ford Motor Company and was able to spend time at the Ford Estate. Thanks for posting this.

[joannereinauer]

Thank you for bring us along. Fascinating!

[Ricard_]

Wow I really like these garden history videos you have done. I haven't seen that anywhere else. Good job I love the story!

[klk]

Great info on a great designer. Would love to see more videos of this nature; and, of course, more videos of your beautiful garden.

[GoddessLaurel]

Brilliant, i want to see and increase of his influence throughout the world. We need more of this👏👏

[jasminelouisefarrall]

Thank You so much for sharing Sue 🥰 I love these biographies 🥰

[SpanishEclectic]

Late to the party here, but this is wonderful! My Dad was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright, and we used to talk about open space, houses that blend into their surroundings, and the effect of one's environment on their well being. I don't know if he was aware of Jensen, but he would have loved this video. I found some very interesting articles he'd saved from his early days (1958) working for the Los Angeles County Planning Dept. I'm always pleased to learn of people with vision who were ahead of their time, and focused on the benefit to humanity and the planet. Thank you for sharing this terrific story.

[thegonzalezs]

I always always learn something new in this channel, besides learning about gardens I learn history. I love your channel .