In 1909, seeking to enhance their newly expanded residence, the Barkers engaged the services of Jens Jensen (1861-1951), a distinguished landscape architect renowned for his innovative designs across the American Midwest. Jensen's portfolio included iconic public spaces such as Humboldt Park and Columbus Park in Chicago, as well as the Lincoln Memorial Garden in Springfield, Illinois, reflecting his mastery of blending natural landscapes with architectural elements.

Over the course of his career, Jensen became a leader in preserving the natural shoreline of Lake Michigan. He was instrumental in the fight to save parts of Gary, Indiana, from the encroachment of steel mills; the area now comprises state and national parks. He was a founding member of Save the Dunes Council, in service of which he designed a fountain located at the entrance of the Indiana Dunes State Park.

For the Barkers, Jensen devised four distinct designs for a walled garden, drawing inspiration from traditional Italian garden aesthetics while incorporating elements of the contemporary Arts and Crafts movement. Unfortunately, the untimely deaths of both Mr. and Mrs. Barker in 1910 abruptly halted the realization of Jensen's plans. It wasn't until 2020 that the estate's archive yielded the rediscovery of Jensen's intricate designs, reigniting interest in revitalizing the garden.

With generous funding from The Barker Welfare Foundation, efforts to restore the garden commenced in 2021, guided by Jensen's original vision. The project carefully preserved the garden's historical integrity while incorporating modern techniques and materials. Among the notable features are pedestals adorned with crafted oak branches and intricate leaf patterns, showcasing Jensen's attention to detail. Additionally, the cast iron jardinière-basins, meticulously painted with white enamels, are appealing focal points within the garden space.

A significant restoration effort in 2016, funded by the Barker Welfare Foundation, saw the re-pouring of the base of one pedestal, ensuring its structural integrity. Further enhancing the garden's allure is a fluted column-pedestal with a tripartite armillary support, embodying both functionality and artistic elegance.

Visitors to the Barker Mansion can also enjoy the garden oval bench, offering a serene spot to admire the surroundings while adding a touch of classical charm. Meanwhile, the marble garden table, crafted from an exquisite verde-antico marble slab and adorned with white marble ends, serves as a sophisticated centerpiece, inviting guests to gather and appreciate the beauty of the masterfully curated garden space.

The revitalization of the Barker Mansion's garden pays homage to the enduring legacy of Jens Jensen's visionary designs, while preserving the estate's historical significance for future generations to cherish and enjoy.