Commons barns to feature garden, farming

Local organizations hope to grow awareness and cultivate appreciation for all things green through a botanical garden, entrepreneurial farm program and children's activities at the Grand Traverse Commons barns.

The Traverse City commission this week approved a management agreement with three local organizations to use the public land near West Silver Lake Road.

The 55-acre property includes two historic barns and is managed by the joint Traverse City and Garfield Township recreational authority.

The Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan will plant a community botanical garden. Little Artshram will continue educational gardening and art programs for children and teens that already take place at the site.

SEEDS, a local nonprofit ecological research and design firm, plans to set up an educational farming program for semi-skilled farmers who don't have their own land or markets.

"They will certainly provide opportunities for the public to enjoy the barns property, for the purposes it was originally used, which is all about sustainable agriculture and sustainable living," said Benjamin Marentette, deputy city clerk and executive director of the recreational authority.

It's been more than 50 years since patients and staff of the former Traverse City State Hospital cultivated the land to produce food.

The agreement allows the organizations to use the property rent-free. The initial term is six months, but can be renewed at three different times for a total term of 15 years and six months.

"The unique part that SEEDS will be bringing is the entrepreneurial agriculture focus and getting entrepreneurial farmers into their own places," said Executive Director Sarna Salzman. "This is a stepping stone. It's like a medical residency."

But that could be a few years down the road, depending on funding.

The group's immediate plans include growing corn, beans and squash to help prepare the land as a productive agricultural site.

The Botanical Garden Society of Northwest Michigan has tried since 2000 to establish a garden at the Commons, said Karen Schmidt, board chairwoman.

"It's going to be beautiful," she said. "People can expect a variety of experiences when they go to the site."

The society's 20.5 acres will include various vegetable and floral gardens, including a woodland garden with trails, a native wildflower meadow and an English-style walled garden.