The Gretchen Harshbarger papers date from 1900 to 1991 and measure 12.25 linear inches. The papers are arranged in four series: Biographical information, Landscape design, Publications, and Photographs.

The Biographical information series (1906-1991) pertains primarily to the career of Gretchen Harshbarger. The series includes many newspaper clippings about her professional activities as well as information about her family, education, and awards; and correspondence.

The landscape plans that Harshbarger designed for Iowa City clients are included in the Landscape design series (1966-1982). They include plans for churches, the city of Iowa City, many residential properties and a school.

Harshbarger was a prolific writer. The Flower Family Album (1940) and articles she wrote for Household Magazine and other magazines are included in the Publications series (1935-1989), as are advertisements and reviews of McCalls's Garden Book (1968).

The Photographs series (1900-1987) is devoted primarily to those of Harshbarger, her family and friends.