The St. Francis Sustainable Garden Project supports the hungry, at-risk children and their families in our area. We use a garden plot in front of the St. Francis rectory where we grow and harvest herbs, vegetables and flowers. In past years each harvest has produced over 180 lbs. of produce- all delivered to the pantry at Foundations Preschool of Ann Arbor, - child care center for at-risk, low-income families.

The St. Francis Grounds & Botanical Gardens: Several gardens surround the St Francis of Assisi campus of buildings, including, but not limited to, the church, school, rectory and/or parish offices. These gardens need to be a beautiful expression of hospitality, in particular, the entrances, to our fellow parishioners and visitors as well as reflect a statement of our appreciation for God's creation and nature.

Questions? Contact: Scott Wright (734-821-2121)

Spring is Here! Let's Get Started

Dear St Francis Sustainable Garden Volunteers,
 
We hope you haven't forgotten the Sustainable Garden Ministry and, we now need your time, talent and treasure for gardening.  The season is upon us!
 
It's been a long snowy cold winter and, once again, Spring is beckoning us to the gardens at St Francis of Assisi (e.g., the rhubarb is nosing up from the soil already):
  • Vegetable, Fruit and Herb Beds (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, and Peter and Paul)
  • Native Michigan Plant Beds  (to be named)
    • Good News:  St Francis of Assisi was awarded a monetary grant earlier this year from the Wildflower Association of Michigan for Native Plants.
 
Check out the garden website: http://www.stfrancisa2.com/church-community/outreach/sustainable-garden
 
Please mark your calendars for the following definitive preparation dates:
  1. April 26** (Saturday) 9 - 11 am: Bed Preparation and Compost Day (Bring a shovel and/or trowel, if possible, Meet at the Rectory)
  2. May 11 (Mother's Day Sunday) after the 8:30 and 10:30 am Masses: Seed and Seedling Sale (Before, during, and after for setup, sales and tear down at the front of PAC)
  3. May 17 (Saturday) 9 - 11 am: Planting Seeds and Seedlings; Meet at Rectory
  4. Memorial Weekend until end of September (We need at least ONE volunteer for EACH day of week for ONE hour to water and weed, as needed, shifts can be shared/substituted as vacations arise)
  5. April 21-25: Additional help is needed to prepare the new Native Michigan Garden Beds. Please contact Erich specifically to schedule (phone number is listed below). 
 
**Important Note:  Do any of you know someone who has a pick-up truck or equivalent vehicle to help us get a couple yards of compost from the city early (8 am) on April 26? 
 
Thank you in advance and please contact Erich Jensen or Rose Sherry with any questions, needed clarifications, concerns, and if and when you can come. 
 
We will welcome all of you, brand new and experienced gardeners, and will help you get oriented to the gardens for a fun and interesting time, too.
 
Please RSVP by phone or email, whenever possible.
 
In Christ,
Erich Jensen
734.771.8511
Rose Sherry
734.657.0197

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