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Matthaei
October 30, 2023
Hunt Park
October 30, 2023
Matthaei
October 30, 2023
Hunt Park
October 30, 2023
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GARDEN SITES

Hillside Terrace

The Garden

Hillside Terrace Garden is located behind the Hillside Terrace Retirement Residence at 1939 Jackson Road. It is entirely perennial and has 11 plots.

Apply for a plot
11

Perennial Plots

Plot Information

Plot Size

This site is very popular. To accomodate the greatest number of gardeners, plot sizes are generally half plots (~375 square feet) and are labeled N, S, E, W (e.g. 9W & 9E).
View Map of Garden Plots

Communication

Watch the bulletin board area on the back of the Project Grow sign and feel free to use it to make announcements regarding garden business. Expect a few phone calls asking you to help out with volunteer tasks. In recent years, we have also used 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, Project Grow's monthly newsletter provides updates and information on classes, events, garden happenings and partner opportunities.

Soil

Soil testing done in 2010 showed Hillside's soil to be alkaline, with a pH of 7.8. Most vegetable crops prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. Sawdust, composted leaves, wood chips, and leaf mold will lower the soil pH.

Water

Water is provided by a fire hydrant on the property. The water usage is metered and paid for by Project Grow. Please conserve water by mulching well and watering only when necessary. If you spot a leak in the hoselines, either make the repairs yourself or notify the site-coordinator. Watering of gardens is never to be unattended; hose timers are prohibited.

Tools

A limited supply of tools is kept next to the garden. Always return tools after use. Damage to equipment is inevitable; if replacements become necessary, call your site coordinator. If you have tools that you wish to donate to the garden, feel free to bring them to the garden and then notify the office.

Animals/Pests

Woodchucks, rabbits and other animals will likely visit this garden. If you fence, we recommend black/green plastic or wire fencing (remember to remove your fencing at the end of the season!). For the best results, bury the fence 8” below ground and bend it away from the garden to stop animals digging underneath.

Composting

Any organic waste generated during the growing season may be tilled into the soil, placed in a designated compost area on-site, or taken home for composting by the city. However, diseased plants should always be removed from the site, to minimize the presence of pathogens in the gardens.

Gardener Comments and Suggestions

The conviviality and sharing of gardening tips help to make our community garden a shared experience.

Location

Hillside Terrace

1939 Jackson Road
Ann Arbor, MI

Monday - Sunday
Dawn to Dusk

Maintenance

Garden Maintenance

The major perimeters of the garden are mowed by Hillside Terrace maintenance staff only if we 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.

Individual Plot Maintenance

All gardeners are responsible for keeping weeds down in their plots and along the adjacent pathways. Various mulches 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.

Abandoned Plots

Plots that have not been seriously worked by June 1st or are overgrown with weeds taller than 18” at any point in the season will be considered abandoned and will 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 cleanup

Perennial plots must be put to rest for the winter. In the fall, non-organic trash, along with diseased plants, should be removed. Dead organic material should be removed or chopped up to compost in your plot. Perennial plants or annual plants that have not been killed by frost may remain. Failure to clean your plot according to the guidelines set forth in the Member Handbook may result in expulsion from the garden. If you know you will not be returning, take away your personal belongings and clear out your entire plot. It is helpful to notify the director also, as perennial plots are always in great demand.

Site Coordinator

Dan Clark

For more information contact Project Grow's Managing Director at [email protected]