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October 28, 2023Airport
October 28, 2023
Leslie Science and Nature Center
The Garden
The Leslie Science and Nature Center Discovery Garden is at the LSNC and just off the edge of Black Pond Woods. It is a great place to explore throughout the growing season.
The gardens open in late April or early May, depending on weather. They close for the winter on the third Saturday of October. All Discovery Garden gardeners receive an 18 or 24 square foot raised bed. Gardeners have on-site access to a community tool shed, water and a shade area for relaxing. Volunteers are available to provide assistance and site coordinators help keep gardens watered throughout the week.
Raised Beds
Plot Information
Bed Size
Parking
Communication
Soil
Water
Animals/Pests
Tools
Location
Leslie Science and Nature Center
1831 Traver Rd
Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Monday - Sunday
Dawn to Dusk
Gardeners gather every Wednesday from approximately
5:30pm - 7:00pm
Maintenance
Garden Maintenance
The major perimeters of the garden are mowed by the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation only if we keep the area free from organic refuse and other debris and stones. Please pile rocks in designated areas only and away from aisles and bed edges...rocks break mower blades! Place organic waste in the compost areas next to the tool shed or take it home for composting by the city. Do not make compost or weed piles outside of your raised bed, the garden fence or the woods.
Work parties, to maintain the interior pathways and perimeters immediately surrounding the gardens, to repair hoses and tools, and to keep the site in good condition, are held once a month. All gardeners are expected to attend as part of your commitment to the community. It is a great way to meet your fellow gardeners and share gardening information. Please do your part and participate!
Abandoned Plots
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 microclimate for plants and worms. If using plastic weed barrier, please cover it with an organic mulch.
Fall cleanup
Your bed must be cleared by dusk on the third Saturday in October.
Beds 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 outlined in the Member Handbook may result in expulsion from the garden. If you know you will not be returning, let your site coordinator know, take your personal belongings, and clear your entire bed.