VISIT

Urban Educational Garden

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MEET OUR FARM & COMMUNITY MANAGER... 
​Angela Lugo-Thomas
Angela was born in Bayamón, Puerto Rico, grew up in Detroit, and has lived in Highland Park, MI for over 20 years. She has a Puerto Rican heart with a Detroit soul. Angela is married and has three children. She has been involved in urban gardening through Keep Growing Detroit's Garden Resource Program since 2008 and is launching a new farm and garden project called Liberty Farm & Boricua Garden in Highland Park.

Angela attended a farm immersion training in 2022 at Soul Fire Farm in New York and will be in the 2023 cohort of the MSU Organic Farmer Training Program. She has previously volunteered and worked part-time creating and maintaining garden spaces in Detroit and Highland Park for over 10 years. She has been around the Palmer Park community garden for many years and has helped to maintain several garden beds. She is excited and looking forward to being the garden manager during the 2023 season.

Angela enjoys leading walking groups, gardening, dancing, photography, and organizing community events. Angela is a local leader for GirlTrek, a board member of the Detroit People’s Food Co-op, and works part-time as the Community Engagement Reporter for Planet Detroit.

For more information about our garden, contact Angela at garden@peopleforpalmerpark.org
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​​Rent-A-Bed Program
UPDATED 4/12/2023
ALL GARDEN BEDS ARE NOW RENTED FOR THE 2023 SEASON
All garden plots are 20’ x 4’ cedar wood raised beds. With the proper preparation and care, you can grow plenty of food to have nutritious food and develop deeper earth connection!

People for Palmer Park Community Garden is focused on 3 intentions:
  1. Community Building
  2. Education
  3. Food Production
We will be renting out the majority of the garden beds to activate our garden to be full of community members invested in food sovereignty and food production. The purpose of renting a garden bed is to take responsibility and commit to tending this beautiful garden together.

$30 Seasonal Garden membership includes:
  • Drop in open hour garden days to receive support on your garden bed and gain skills. The garden manager will be there on Sundays from 10am-1pm and can schedule individual and small group meet-ups on other days, too. The season runs from May 6-October 8, 2023 (we will not meet on holiday weekends or during inclement weather).
  • Periodic classes about garden planning, organic growing basics, companion and succession planting, preservation, soil maintenance, compost, harvesting, storing, and farm-to-table recipes.
  • Tools: Access to some basic tools. Will provide a suggested list to all gardeners who may want to have their own garden tool kits.
  • Seeds + Plants: We sometimes receive donated seeds and plants but each garden bed rental can join the Garden Resource Program for a fee ($15 family or $30 community garden). They provide seeds, transplants, and compost to all members. You must pick up your own supplies from Keep Growing Detroit. Community garden members are also encouraged to share non-GMO seeds and transplants with each other if they have extras.
  • Included in garden plot seasonal rental: 20’X4’ garden bed, topsoil, compost, water, shared tools, access to greenhouse + compost station.
  • All beds have been rented for the 2023 season. No more registrations will be accepted at this time. Thank you for your support!
    FULL GARDEN AGREEMENT, EXPECTATIONS FOR ENGAGEMENT AND REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE HERE
The photos above taken May 18-19, 2018 at PFPP Volunteer Days, with Home Depot and community members. Photos by Amy Lebowsky.
Why is People for Palmer Park doing this?
Gardening has provided a different perspective on the way residents can use land in the city. The garden is a resource to others who are interested in growing their own garden or creating a community garden in their neighborhood. The garden allows anyone to have hands on experience and learn the practical application of gardening. 

Who runs Palmer Park Garden on a daily basis?
The Farm and Community Engagement Manager. They report directly to People for Palmer Park’s Preservation & Beautification Committee and Board of Directors.

What kind of fruit and vegetables are here?
Many different types, depending on the season, have included peppers, tomatoes, lettuce, beets, collards, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, beans, pumpkins, peas, radishes, apples, zinnias, marigolds, various herbs and much more. Those participating in our bed rental program will be able to choose what to grow under our guidance.

Where does the produce go?
Some produce in past years has gone to our volunteers who help out at the garden as well as donations to food pantries. Bed rental participants will get to keep their harvest!

How large is the garden?
The majority of the garden is housed in 20' x 4' raised beds made of cedar. The beds are intentionally ADA compliant, and also allow for easier access, great drainage, prevention of soil compaction, and for the soil to warm more quickly in the spring. In 2017, we expanded the garden by adding more additional beds, as well as a greenhouse, compost station and natural fence line.

What was previously on the site?
The raised beds currently sit on an old softball diamond. 

When can I volunteer?
VOLUNTEER KICKOFF WEEKEND IS generally in mid-May: No experience necessary and all ages are welcome. Once you're familiar, you can return any time to pitch in.
Garden Location: 
Just off Pontchartrain on Merrill Plaisance, next to the Splash Park lot. Look for the raised beds!