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)

Bounty and Beauty Updates (August 5)

Sustainable Garden Project

St. Francis Sustainable Gardens: Bounty and Beauty Updates.
TWO garden initiatives under ONE sustainable garden project continue to grow at St Francis: (1) Feed Hungry Neighbors AND (2) Embrace Michigan Native Plants.
The “Feed Hungry Neighbors” initiative now in its 14th summer offers an even wider variety of fresh organic produce and herbs that are shared earlier and later in this season for the Perry Nursery School, a child care center for at-risk children and their families.
This initiative was expanded this year to:
  • Cultivate/plant berry plants (e.g., blueberries, red/black raspberries, and huckleberries)
  • Use free standing garden containers/bags  to grow more potatoes and peppers
  • Install 2nd rain barrel donated by St Francis girl scout troop
  • Rebuild new pole bean trellis, boards for raised beds, and wildlife(e.g., rabbits) barrier fence
  • Identify all garden beds with faith based (i.e., scripture) signage (e.g., 4 Gospels)
  • Install hoop house on a raised bed to extend growing season for increased food production

The “Embrace Michigan Native Plants” initiative has been ramped up this Spring and Summer to introduce a variety of local plants to beautify the church grounds that also attract butterflies and birds and, additionally, to educate and encourage parish members and school children on native plants use.
This year’s activities for this initiative have included:
  • $250 grant award from the Wildflower Association of Michigan for native plants
  • Clearing/replanting of the church’s 2 front steps brick planters including the addition of  > 4000 pounds  of fresh top soil and at least 8 types of native perennials, bushes and grasses
  • Clearing/planting of the rectory’s sloping backyard beds with more than a dozen types of native perennials, woody ornamentals, and evergreens
  • Clearing a large (10 by 25 feet) overgrown school yard raised bed for future native plantings
Check out our sustainable garden blog here for more complete information and photos.
“The Sustainable Gardens” ministry here at St Francis invites all parishioners to view them and welcomes volunteers and donations at any time.  Please contact Master Gardener and Ministry Co-Coordinator, Erich Jensen, 734.771.8511 or erichjensen@msn.com.

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