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Matthaei
Matthaei 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. It has hydrant water provided by MBG.

SITE COORDINATORS: Marilyn Swanson, Rena Basch

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 andkeeping the gardens free from debris, etc. Spring plowing is somewhat weather dependent but is usually complete by the beginning of May.

WATER:Water comes from a nearby well that is furnished by MBG. Water is generally turned on mid May and off mid September. Please try to conserve water by mulching well and using only when necessary. No sprinklers please. If you spot a leak in the hoselines Project Grow provides, either make the repairs yourself, or notify the site-coordinator or the office. Please be sure to coil and tidy hoses after using them – hoses left out can be damaged  by mowers and are a hazard to foot traffic

TOOLS:A supply of tools is kept in the top floor of the shed. Always return tools to the top floor of the shed after use. 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: At MBG there is a deer fence which includes the community gardens but as with any garden, wildlife (such as raccoons, squirrels, rabbits) are always attracted to the plentiful food in a garden and gardeners will need to employ techniques to deter wildlife.

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, newsletters, which are created quarterly and electronic newsletters will also contain important information about upcoming projects and events.

ABANDONED PLOTS:Plots that have not been worked by May 31 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 October 17th. Organic material may be chopped up and spread evenly across your plot. Take home all non-organic material ie. 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 newsletters during the year, and they are not forwarded (third class mail).

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