Leland Lofts Community Garden to expand in its second year

The Leland Lofts, located on Antietam in Lafayette Park, established a community garden for its residents last year. The first phase includes eight four-by-eight-foot raised beds in which organic vegetables and herbs are grown for the residents. The second phase, planned for implementation this year, will add benches, raised flower beds and a grilling area.

The building residents are hosting a communal yard sale on June 5 and 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to raise money for the project. "We decided to hold a yard sale to raise the funds needed, rather than raise association fees or assess the co-owners," says Leland resident and gardener Amanda Musilli.

Dozens of the 31 households are expected to participate. Musilli estimates that about eight actively participate in planting and weeding, with others that support the garden by, for instance, helping to build the raised beds. "The rest just love the beauty of the garden," she says. "Last year, when our first (and only) watermelon became ripe we had a champagne toast on the roof deck and shared in the delicious melon."

The Leland Lofts Community Garden is a member of the Detroit Garden Resource Program.

Source: Amanda Musilli, Leland Lofts
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh