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GARDEN SITES

Lakewood Elementary

The Garden

Lakewood Garden is located just behind Lakewood Elementary School on the southwest side.  To get to the garden from Jackson Road, take Gralake south until it ends at the school. Lakewood is a perennial community garden with 10 plots.

AAPS requires a simple background check for accessing Lakewood Project Grow Gardens during school days. A link to the background check and information on obtaining clearance will be emailed to you upon obtaining a plot site at Lakewood School. 

*AAPS is expected to begin construction of a new Lakewood School building in 2026. The Lakewood garden site will not be available during construction. 2025 is expected to be the last year of gardening in the current garden location. Project Grow hopes to reopen garden plots in a different area of the Lakewood School property in ~2029.

Apply for a plot
Lakewood Elementary
10

Perennial Plots

Plot Information

Plot Size

Plot sizes are fullsize (25’ x 30’) unless designated with an asterisk(*) to denote half-size plot. If a fullsize plot needs to be divided in half, the half-size plots are labeled N, S, E, W (e.g. 9W & 9E).
View Map of Garden Plots

Communication

This is a community garden, and as such, we help each other out to make sure that everything runs smoothly. Expect a few phone calls asking for assistance with volunteer tasks like mulching the paths or cleaning up at the end of the season. 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! Project Grow monthly newsletters will also contain important information about upcoming projects and events.

Soil

The soil is considered clay loam and has average nutrient holding capacity. Original soil testing in 2010 found the soil to be slightly alkaline. Most vegetable crops prefer neutral to slightly acidic soil. Sawdust, composted leaves, wood chips, cottonseed meal and leaf mold will lower the soil pH.

Water

Water is provided by Lakewood Elementary School. Hoses attach to a spigot on the east side of the gardens. Please be considerate and coil up the hoses or place them as safely out of the pathway as possible after every use, so that gardeners and visitors do not trip on them. Do not leave hoses on the grass, as they can be seriously damaged by mower blades. If you spot a leak in the hose lines, either make the repairs yourself or notify the site coordinator. Watering of gardens is never to be unattended; hose timers are prohibited.

Composting

We are fortunate to have composting on site to deal with garden waste. Organic garden waste can be deposited in the compost bins at the west edge of the gardens. A list of allowable and non-allowable materials is posted at the site. Non-allowable and diseased plants should be taken home and disposed of.

Animals

Since the garden is located near the woods, woodchucks and other animals may visit. If you fence, we recommend wire fencing. Orange construction fencing is not allowed. For the best results, bury the fence 8" below ground and bend it away from the garden to stop animals digging underneath.

Gardener Comments and Suggestions

I noticed something pretty special about our garden this year. If I'm not mistaken, we are a truly a multi-generational community with gardeners in their 20s, 30s (?), 40s, 50s, 60s, 70s(?) and 80s. This experience with all the wisdom it holds: technological to political environmental to horticultural makes the Project Grow experience priceless.

Location

Lakewood Elementary

344 Gralake
Ann Arbor, MI

Monday - Sunday
Dawn to Dusk

During the school year, gardeners must check in with the office and obtain a security badge when visiting the gardens during school hours (8:30-4:00 Monday-Friday) Weekends and during school vacations, the gardens are open dawn to dusk.

Maintenance

Garden Maintenance

We are guests on this property. As such, we ask that you do not throw rocks or other debris into the mowed areas; instead, put rocks on the rock pile at the end of the garden. Please take all non-organic waste (plastic, fencing, etc.) home with you when you leave the site. Gardeners will be asked to help maintain unused plots and common areas from time to time. 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 on 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 microclimate 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.

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. Your plot must be cleared no later than the tend of the day on the third Saturday in October. In the fall, non-organic items must be removed from the garden and dead organic material removed or chopped up to compost in your plot. Perennial plants or annual plants that have not been killed by frost may remain. 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. Failure to clean your plot according to the guidelines set forth in the Member Handbook may result in expulsion from the garden.

Site Coordinator

Shari Kane

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