Autumn repays the earth the leaves which summer lent it.
Georg Christoph Lichtenberg (1742–1799), translated by Norman Alliston, 1908

Membership Meeting

Thursday, October 10, 11:30 am

Ann Arbor City Club

"The Ins and Outs of Marketing Locally Grown Food"

Presented by Laura Matney, general manager, Argus Farm Stop

Argus Farm Stop put down roots at 325 W. Liberty in 2014 with a mission to support small, local farms and grow our local agricultural economy. Today, with three locations, a dedicated community of staff, farmers and consumers, and a $20 million impact, Argus has an inspiring story to share.

October is "Bring a Friend" month! Registration deadline extended to midnight, October 4.

For details and to register, click here.

Members, remember to bring clean cans for Flower Therapy!

Applications now open for 2024-25 grants and scholarships

Nonprofit garden, farm projects invited to apply for Ann Arbor Farm & Garden grants; scholarship funds available to college students

Ann Arbor Farm & Garden is now accepting applications for grant funding from nonprofit garden- and farm-related projects in Washtenaw County. Grant applicants must be nonprofit or 501(c)3 organizations.

Projects must further the mission of Ann Arbor Farm & Garden to promote and support local gardens, farms, and environmental stewardship through education, community service, and financial grants and scholarships.

College students pursuing studies in horticulture, environment, and related fields are invited to apply for scholarship funds.

The application deadline is November 30, 2024. Award decisions will be announced in February 2025. Please direct questions to Ann Ringia, Foundation Chair, at AAFG.Foundation@gmail.com.

AAFG2024_25GrantApp AAFG2023_24ScholarshipApp

Calling All Members .....

Have you renewed your membership??

If not, please do so today! It's quick and simple to pay online, or drop your check in the mail. Log in and look for a red $ under your name, or on your Member Profile page. Click that icon for payment steps.

Volunteer today for hospitality at one of our monthly meetings. All meetings are available, three spots per meeting. Simply click on the meeting you want in the Event Calendar and look for the Volunteer button on the right side of the page. You can access all volunteering opportunities under the Members Only > Volunteering menu as well.

Flower Therapy is blooming! Volunteer today!

Since our happy return to on-site Flower Therapy at Mott Children's Hospital in September 2023, interest in our services has blossomed. Along with children and their families from Mott, we're working with high-risk pregnant women at Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital and on occasion, other special groups. We've even had interest from outside the hospital. Seems everyone understands the power of flowers!

Flower Therapy has always been one of Ann Arbor Farm & Garden's most treasured service opportunities, and it is certainly one of our most rewarding. The impact of creating a simple bouquet can be immense, and seeing a child's face light up with a smile because of it makes the work completely worthwhile.

Experience the rewards yourself -- volunteer! Chairs Karen Mikus and Nancy Asin can explain how the program works and what you need to get started. Call or email them today! Let's meet the demand and continue to share the power of flowers.

Going to Seed: Collect, share for next year's garden

October is harvest time not only for crops, but for flower and native plant seeds as well. Our area has several groups sponsoring seed shares, including the Master Rain Gardener program and the county Parks & Rec department. Shown above are two upcoming events, but there's so much more to explore! Check out Seeds to Community, a year-long series of workshops on collecting, sowing, and potting up seeds. Did you know Washtenaw Community College has a seed library with lots of helpful information and resources? Visit the WCC Seed Library to learn more.

Growing Hope's Autumn Harvest Auction runs until October 10

"Eat Local, Support Local" is Growing Hope's mission and message, and you can help support their important work in our community with a bit of shopping! Their Autumn Harvest Auction features unique experiences, lots of local favorites, and more. Bidding closes Oct. 10 at 10:30 pm.

Celebrate Pumpkins, Lanterns & Leaves Oct. 11-12 at Matthaei

This annual magical event at Matthaei's Gaffield Children's Garden features a variety of festive activities including a whimsical jack o' lantern trail, shadow puppet shows, jugglers and hoopers, cider and doughnuts, and more. Perfect for children ages 4-10, and fun for adults too! Dates are Friday, Oct. 11 and Saturday, Oct. 12, 5:30 to 7:30 pm each day. Tickets are $20 per person. Visit the event page for details and registration here.

Get to know Ann Arbor Farm & Garden!

We’re a welcoming, active group of learners, doers, explorers, and leaders,

passionate about sharing and promoting the many benefits of gardens and gardening with each other and our community.

We raise money for annual grants and scholarships, expand our gardening and environmental knowledge,

and share beauty with others through garden tours and flower therapy. In the process, we create strong social connections and lifelong friendships.

Flowers – Friends – Food – Gardens – Giving

AAF&G members enjoy them all. Join us!

Be eco-friendly this fall -- it's easy with these tips

Whether we're tending a traditional urban yard, an expansive garden, or a rural property, we all have a role to play as good environmental stewards. Creating and maintaining habitats for our bird, frog, bee, butterfly and insect friends has never been more critical. Happily, there are some easy ways to simplify your fall garden chores AND do your part to support the creatures who help support us.

Leave the leaves! (and the perennials)
Leaf litter is an incubator for a host of insects, frogs and toads, and other wildlife. Native bees nest in hollow stems of perennials, and butterflies overwinter on a variety of garden plants. Birds feast on the seed heads of coneflowers, sunflowers, liatris and more.

Check out the Xerces Society's "Leave the Leaves" campaign site for extensive information and great resources, including cool signs you can download and display to neighbors and passersby.

Plant bulbs for next Spring's pollinators
Early-blooming bulbs provide critical nectar for bees. Daffodils, alliums, crocus and hyacinths are great choices. (Tulips are lovely, but irresistible to deer.)

MSU Extension has a wealth of information on spring-flowering bulbs here.

Plant Michigan native shrubs and trees
Their flowers, fruits and foliage are important to a wide range of insects, birds, and mammals, and they'll add beauty to your landscape. Fall is an excellent time to plant!

Discover the best of our natives with these guides from MSU Extension and Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation.

Birds on the Move -- Help Make Migration Safer

As the days shorten, many of the birds we've enjoyed throughout the summer are making their way to wintering grounds far away. You can find out who's flying over your area at night with BirdCast, a project of The Cornell Lab, Colorado State University, and UMass Amherst. When, where, and how far will birds migrate? How many birds passed last night? BirdCast tools allow you to explore the answers to these and many other questions about bird migration.

Learn how you can contribute to a safe migration season with this Safe Passage Great Lakes information from Michigan Audubon. Turning off lights, marking windows, and keeping cats indoors are relatively simple ways to help the birds.

Should you find an injured bird, contact the Bird Center of Michigan. This Saline-based nonprofit takes in more than 1800 birds each year of more than 85 species and is open 365 days a year to care for wild birds in need. They are an excellent resource and provide critical care for our feathered friends.

Get to know Ann Arbor Farm & Garden!

Flowers – Friends – Food – Gardens – Giving

Giving

Membership

Learning

Flower Therapy