We are living Trinity Health’s commitment to being a transforming healing presence in our community. The land that we grow on is crucial in this process. On our Farm we have 1) a Staff Community Garden and 2) the Growing Compassion Garden, both started and led by dedicated Trinity Health staff volunteers.  Trinity Health current and retired staff can sign up to tend their own garden plot.

Have you always wanted to try your hand at growing a vegetable garden? Or, maybe you’re an expert gardener, but your yard is too shady? Then join with fellow Trinity Health Ann Arbor staff and retirees at the Staff Community Garden at The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor!

This space provides physical and mental wellbeing through the food that’s grown and the relationships formed between fellow gardeners. The garden is a large area with individual plots for employees to grow their own vegetables at low cost, plus a training workshop for first-time gardener (see below for details).

The garden provides a opportunity to grow vegetables for your family, friends, and office mates across the street from where you work. Mentoring is on-going for those who wish to have a knowledgeable resource. Come join us!

Details:

Garden plots are available on a first-come, first-served basis in the spring.  There is a fee to cover the use of the plot for the summer, which covers compost, water, pathway, and fence maintenance. There is a workday to prepare plots and add compost in the spring. 

First year gardeners are required to pay a refundable deposit of $20 in the form of a separate payment/check. Checks should be made out to “St. Joseph Mercy Hospital”.

Standard plot: 10′ x 9′  or 10′ x 6′  The cost is $15*

Medium plot:   10′ x 12′  The cost is $20*

Large plot:        10′ x 15′  The cost is $25* – We ask that experienced gardeners or groups of people who are committed to maintaining their plot sign-up for this size.

*plus a refundable deposit of $20 for first year gardeners

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Signing up: You may sign-up as an individual or as a group. If you are a group, we ask that one person registers and pays for the plot.

First-come, first-served: Registration will open in the spring, there will likely be a waiting list

• There are a limited number of plots
• One plot per person/group
• Note: Gardeners must be staff or retirees who work(ed) at Trinity Health in Ann Arbor at the time of signing-up  

To Register: Contact The Farm and include the plot size that you are interested in  thefarm@stjoeshealth.org

• If space is available, you will then be asked to provide:
  • Payment for the plot
  • Deposit (if new to the garden)
  • A signed Garden Plot Rental Agreement with signed liability waivers for all ‘helpers’

Opening: This depends on the weather and our ability to prep the soil in early May.

Closing: Gardens must be cleaned up by Nov 15th.

(Community Garden Founder, Rozelle Copeland)

Introduction to Gardening Class: This class is for the new gardener who is looking for information on how to get started. Contact The Farm if you are interested. Class will cover a variety of topics including:

• What to expect
• Figuring out what and how much to plant
• How to plant
• Heirloom vs. hybrid
• Tips for tomatoes

Location of the Staff Community Garden: Staff garden plots are outside at The Farm at Trinity Health Ann Arbor, 5557 McAuley Dr., Ypsilanti, MI.