Green Garden Educational Series Begins April 10th

MSUE‑Leelanau is hosting a series of educational events this spring, utilizing environmentally sustainable garden practices.   The programs are intended for all levels of gardeners, focusing on home-scale food production.  Classes are taught by knowledgeable local gardeners, farmers, and volunteers, and will be held at a variety of locations, including the Leelanau County Governmental Center and the MSUE Northwest Horticultural Research Center.  Participants may sign up for just one or several sessions.  Advanced registration for individual programs is recommended, and may be completed by calling MSUE‑Leelanau at 231‑256 8323.  Information about this series is also posted at:  www.msue.msu.edu/leelanau.  Click here for a flyer.

Remembering the 2011 Season

In 2011, the Good Neighbor’s Food Pantry received approximately 850 lbs of fresh garden produce grown by area Master Gardener Volunteers and youth at the Leelanau Community Garden.  With fresh produce being so expensive these days, the hope is that food pantry clients benefit from increased access to healthy, fresh food.  This year’s harvest included:  96 lbs green beans; 167 lbs cabbage; 9 lbs cucumbers; 16 lbs eggplant; 19 lbs garlic; 16 lbs greens; 5 lbs herbs; 69 lbs onions; 60 lbs peppers; 50 lbs potatoes; 68 lbs summer squash; 16 lbs edamame (soy); and 261 lbs tomatoes. 

In 2011, nine area Master Gardener Volunteers contributed over 400 hours of volunteer time.  Those volunteers are Rick George, Mike Davis, Cheryl Windle, Sara Schmuldt, Mike Kiessel, Lori Oberson, Gerhild Uhl, Debbie Marsh, and Lynn McAndrews.  Financial support for the garden is limited, and depends on donations and grants to purchase seedlings, compost, mulch, and replacement of irrigation equipment.  Anyone interested in learning more about the Leelanau Community Garden should contact Pam Schmidt Bardenhagen, MSU Extension Home Horticulturalist at 231-256-8323 or via email, schmi345@msu.edu.

Welcome to the Leelanau Community Garden!

Thanks for visiting our blog!  We are looking forward to bringing you news about the garden, as well as information on growing food in your backyard.  Please check back soon to read more.