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Matthaei
Project Grow's Matthaei Community Garden is located on Dixboro Rd., on the grounds of the University of Michigan's Matthaei Botanical Gardens. The property is loaned to us by the University of Michigan. 

Gardeners may use the gravel road that runs adjacent to the gardens for loading and unloading cars only.  Parking should be done in the paved parking lot nearby.  Occasionally, public events at Matthaei, such as its May Plant Sale, may prevent the use of the gravel road and change the parking site.  There will be signs during these events to direct you to alternative parking sites.

SITE COORDINATORS: Marilyn Swanson and Kirsten Parr-Matthews

SOIL: Texture - course soil layer above a heavier mix.

MAP OF GARDEN:  Matthaei Map

INDIVIDUAL PLOT MAINTENANCE:  All gardeners are responsible for keeping weeds down in their plots and along the adjacent pathways. Various mulches, in keeping with the Project Grow gardening guidelines, may be used in your garden to inhibit weed growth, conserve water, and promote a hospitable micro-climate for plants and worms. Marsh hay is usually available in the spring, delivered to the garden from a local grower for a reasonable fee. If interested in learning more about marsh hay deliveries or for more information about mulching, contact your site coordinator or the office.

GARDEN MAINTENANCE:  The major perimeters and paths of the garden are mowed by the MBG. We need to keep the area free from organic refuse and other debris and stones. Please pile rocks in designated areas only....rocks break mower blades! Please take all non-organic materials home with you when you leave the site. Please help make the gardens beautiful this summer by maintaining your own plot and keeping the gardens free from debris, etc.

WATER:  Water comes from a nearby well and pump that is furnished by MBG. Water is generally turned on in mid- May and off in mid-September. Please try to conserve water by mulching well and watering only when necessary. No sprinklers please.   Please reel up the hose after use.  If you spot a leak in the hoselines, either make the repairs yourself or notify the site coordinators.

TOOLS:  A supply of tools is kept in the top floor of the shed (do not go downstairs of the shed as the stairs are dangerously weak).  Always return tools to the shed after use. Gardeners may also leave their own tools in the shed as long as they are properly marked.  If you have any tools that you wish to donate to the garden, feel free to put them in the shed and then notify the Project Grow office.

ANIMALS: The existing deer fence at MBG surrounds the community gardens, but as with any garden, wildlife (such as raccoons, groundhogs, and rabbits) are always attracted to the plentiful food in a garden.  Gardeners will need to employ techniques to deter wildlife.  Some gardeners choose to install a low chicken wire fence around their own plots.  However, these would have to be completely removed at the fall clean-up date.

COMMUNICATION:  We use the garden group email list to make important announcements.  If you have not already notified us of your email address, let us know right away! Finally, our electronic newsletters, which are created monthly, will also contain important information about upcoming projects and events.

ABANDONED PLOTS:  Plots that have not been seriously worked by May 31st or are overgrown with weeds taller than 1 1/2' at any point in the season will be considered abandoned and may be reassigned. Contact your site coordinator or the office if you are having problems getting started or if you have to abandon your plot.

FALL CLEAN-UP:  Your plot must be cleared no later than day's end on Saturday, October 16th. Organic material may be chopped up and spread evenly across your plot, to be plowed under later. Take home all non-organic materials, i.e. fences, stakes, plastic, paper, etc. Failure to clean up your plot according to the guidelines set forth in the Gardening Agreement may result in expulsion from the garden.

Moving?  Tell us! We mail out notices during the year and they are not forwarded (third class mail).

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