Discovery Gardens
Our two Discovery Gardens, located on the grounds of the Leslie Science and Nature Center, just off the edge of Black Pond Woods, and near the farm-themed playground at Washtenaw County Farm Park, are great places to explore throughout the growing season. Come see the native plant garden change with the seasons while attracting pollinators and predators for the nearby vegetable gardens. It's cared for by the Wise Roots, Wonder Sprouts and Easy Access participants. Check out the mouth watering herb garden to see what flavor could be added to your herb garden or flower bed. Ideas abound at the Discovery Gardens!
The gardens operate from mid-May through mid-October and consist of the four distinctive programs described below. All Discovery Garden gardeners receive an 18 or 24 square foot raised bed, seeds, and educational information on organic gardening methods. Gardeners have on-site access to a community tool shed, water and a shade area for relaxing. Volunteers are available to provide assistance during the designated weekly gathering time at each location and Site Coordinators help keep gardens watered throughout the week.
Wonder Sprouts: This program offers a unique educational experience in organic gardening for children ages 3-12. Gardeners meet weekly to garden together, share tricks and tips, trade seeds and produce and get any help they need from the program's coordinator. The program also includes garden craft-based classes throughout the season, as well as monthly potluck events which offer fun, great food, learning and a community experience for sprouts and their families. Wonder Sprouts participants are encouraged to garden together, along with the Wise Roots and Easy Access gardeners.
At the Leslie Science Center Discovery Garden, gardeners gather every Wednesday from approximately 5:30pm - 7:30pm.
At the County Farm Park Discovery Garden, a set day to gather has not yet been established but this season's gardeners are encouraged to collectively decide upon one.
Wise Roots: Raised bed garden plots, available in different heights, provide space for older adults to garden in an inter-generational setting. Both sites have close proximity to parking and other facilities, making this an easy and accessible gardening experience. Wise Roots participants are encouraged to garden together, along with the Wonder Sprouts and Easy Access gardeners.
At the Leslie Science Center Discovery Garden, gardeners gather every Wednesday from approximately 5:30pm - 7:30pm. One Wednesday each month will be a potluck event.
At the County Farm Park Discovery Garden, a set day to gather has not yet been established but this season's gardeners are encouraged to collectively decide upon one. One Wednesday each month will be a potluck event.
Easy Access: Specially designed raised garden beds, with accessible pathways, for the wheel chair-bound gardener are offered at both Discovery Garden locations. Additionally, the Discovery Garden located at the County Farm Park is well suited for low-vision or no-vision gardeners. Instructional help and guidance is available for the visually impaired gardener upon request. Easy Access participants are encouraged to garden together, along with the Wonder Sprouts and Wise Roots gardeners.
At the Leslie Science Center Discovery Garden, gardeners gather every Wednesday from approximately 5:30pm - 7:30pm. One Wednesday each month will be a potluck event.
At the County Farm Park Discovery Garden, a set day to gather has not yet been established but this season's gardeners are encouraged to collectively decide upon one. One Wednesday each month will be a potluck event.
Theme Gardens: Designed to inspire and educate people of all ages and gardening abilities, theme gardens surround both of the Discovery Gardens and are tended entirely by volunteers.
For more information contact the Project Grows Director at 996-3169 or via email at discoverygarden@projectgrowgardens.org
Map of Discovery Garden at Leslie
Map of Discovery Garden at County Farm Park
The fee for a bed at the Discovery Garden is $50 or $80 for two.
