The Gardens began as a secure and loving home for entrepreneur Herbert H. Dow, his wife (teacher and philanthropist) Grace A. Dow, and their seven children. Experiments with changing the landscape, discovering which flowers, shrubs, and trees would grow well in the sandy soil, and developing new methods for fruit culture all provided another outlet for Herbert's far-reaching talents. Upon his passing, Grace Dow established The Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow Foundation, which has charter goals to improve the ­educational, religious, economic, and cultural lives of Michigan’s people. Dow Gardens is a signature gift of The Foundation as the family shares the estate with the community and its visitors.