We are an Urban farm on Detroit's lower east side, 3 blocks from the Detroit River. We are farming on 3 acres on a 12 acre vacant parcel that has laid fallow for 25+ years. As a result w are surrounded by Common Milkweed, Vetch, Goldenrod, Queen Annes Lace, Mulberry trees and Mugwort to name a few. We also have stands of these plants throughout our Garden. We leave any milkweed volunteer plants that come up. 2016 will be our 6th season farming. We add more native plants every season and have added a small orchard and raspberry patch as well. This season we will be adding a pond area.
Which garden or space are you describing?:
How large is your yard?:
3.00
acres
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?:
Yes
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?:
Yes
Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?:
Yes
Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?:
Yes
Do you have native bunchgrasses?:
Several areas or one large area.
Are there bee nesting blocks?:
Yes
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?:
Yes
Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?:
Yes
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?:
Most (more than 75%)
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?:
Most (more than 75%)
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?:
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?:
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?:
10 or more
Are flowers planted in clumps?:
Yes.
Does the garden use herbicides?:
No.
Are pesticides used in the garden?:
No