T.C. Collins started gardening  and farming at 2-3 years old with his great great grandparents. He has a great deal of expertise which is evident in the multiple gardens he maintains in our area. He has established Clay Hill Community Farm and Garden, Apple Ridge Community Garden, and Willow Run Acres. These local gardens have existing partnerships with a multitude of organizations within our community that coordinate a deep impact for families in our area.

Chris Hallett, of Growing Hope, added landscape fabric and installed a sprinkler system, and labored to plant our first crop. Much of the seedlings used were started in the hoop houses at the Michigan Ave. site. He planted over 300 of the sweetest yellow watermelons in our one acre plot behind Faith Lutheran Church this spring. Additionally, peppers, squash, eggplant, okra, tomatoes, cabbage and greens were also planted.

The produce that was harvested this year was sold at Ypsilanti Farmers Market and a new roadside stand in Eastern Washtenaw County that combines the harvest of multiple community gardens.

Our hope is to provide fresh, quality produce at a cost lower than currently available in retail stores. Our share of the profits will help pay for the expenses of our community garden and help subsidize our diaper pantry.

There are multiple opportunities to help with this endeavor. If interested, please contact us using the form on our contact page and let us know how you would like to contribute.