VISIT

Urban Educational Garden

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MEET OUR FARM & COMMUNITY MANAGER... MOLLY LEEBOVE
As a first generation farmer with a deep spiritual and political relationship to food, Molly turned to agriculture as a means to actively participate in shifting the failing food system in this country.  Molly has spent the last four years as one of the Farm Managers and Educators at the University of Vermont's Farmer Training Program, a six month intensive program for adult farmers and aspiring food activists, training over 90 beginning farmers, and is proudly returning home to Detroit to work with the inspiring and committed community with People For Palmer Park.  Passionate about food justice, skill sharing and Earth stewardship, there is much excitement about learning and growing together in the gardens of Palmer Park.  Please feel free to reach out with any questions at any time!  See you in the garden. 

For more information about our garden, contact: 

Molly Leebove, Farm & Community Manager
molly@peopleforpalmerpark.org
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.


The photos above taken May 18-19, 2018 at PFPP Volunteer Days, with Home Depot and community members. Photos by Amy Lebowsky.
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Due to COVID-19, our volunteer days at the garden has been cancelled until further notice. Participants in our rent-a-bed program are tending to their gardens following any required social distance guidelines. All beds have been rented for the 2020 growing season.
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Rent-A-Bed Program

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 15 of our 23 garden beds to activate our garden to be full of community 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. The remaining plots will be to grow food to share and donate with the Palmer Park community.

$30 Seasonal Garden membership includes:
  • Drop in open hour garden days to receive support on your garden bed and gain skills.
  • Dates TBD; will be posted online!
  • Monthly classes about garden planning, organic growing basics, nutrition, preservation, soil maintenance, compost, beekeeping with Bees in the D, crop families
  • Tools: Access to tool shed or Tool Kit Rental, a down deposit to have your own set of gardening tools including gloves and hand tools
  • Seeds + Plants: We will provide a base level set of plants and seeds to begin your garden
  • Includes: soil, water, access to greenhouse + compost station
  • FULL GARDEN AGREEMENT, EXPECTATIONS FOR ENGAGEMENT AND REGISTRATION FORM AVAILABLE.
Garden Location: 
Just off Pontchartrain on Merrill Plaisance, next to the Splash Park lot. Look for the raised beds!