Urban Garden Center greens up Southwest Detroit with organic and hydroponic plant supplies

Detroiters looking to grow tomatoes, herbs, or, er, herb in their homes now have a resource: The Urban Gardening Center has opened on 22nd St. just south of Michigan Ave. The shop is run by Isaac Warunek and Brian Johnson — the building’s owner — and carries organic, indoor and hydroponic gardening supplies. Any necessary equipment — from lighting to air circulators — is in stock. “We’re a one-stop grow shop,” says Warunek.

The Urban Gardening Center is clearly poised to work with a expanding legal medical marijuana community in the state of Michigan, with licensed caregivers and patients receiving a 15% discount. A connection to this community is what inspired the duo to open the shop. “We grow legal medical cannabis, and so do a lot of our friends,” says Warunek. “It’s something we are passionate about.”

Johnson has plenty of experience with running a business in Detroit: Burst, LLC, his sound company, has a long history in the city. Although he is blunt about issues, including crime and bureaucracy, he is committed to his location. “I’m here because I’m here. This is where I grew up,” he says. “I still have love for it.”

Classes and seminars are on the horizon for The Urban Gardening Center. Hours are 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 p.m.-4 p.m. Sundays. Call 313-898-0200.

Sources: Issac Warunek and Brian Johnson, The Urban Gardening Center
Writer: Kelli B. Kavanaugh