Green Thumbs Can Toil in the Soil this Winter in Waterford

WATERFORD, Mich. (WJBK) - From fresh fruits and vegetables to wild flowers, the vivid greens and vibrant colors of the garden make it a peaceful place to connect with nature.

"We all live such busy lives. It's just a nice way to relax," said Susanna Ditter.

That's why gardening is one of the biggest hobbies in the United States, but in Michigan outdoor gardening season seems to come and go too quickly.

"We basically have from the end of May until about the end of October," Ditter said.

Oakland County is now providing an option for gardeners who want to continue growing plants and veggies through the cold winter months. They've got 30,000 square feet of prime greenhouse space in Waterford and it is all up for grabs.

Inmates on a work release program from misdemeanor crimes helped to load up the wood that will be used to divide the greenhouse into 33 plots where people can come and tend to their own indoor gardens from September through April.

"We're offering seven months of gardening and raised plots that are going to be six-by-ten, so that's 60 square feet," said Ditter, the greenhouse coordinator. "Actually, you can get quite a few vegetables out of those gardens."

The greenhouse came with a five acre property Oakland County purchased from a retail grower in 2009. The land is adjacent to Waterford Oaks County Park. The outdoor space is currently being used to grow trees, flowers and plants that go back into the park system. There are also community gardens, and soon the indoor project will take root, as well.

If you would like to check out the greenhouse space for yourself, there will be an open house on Wednesday, August 24 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. If you miss that, you can fill out a lottery form.  There is a link at the bottom of this article.

"Preserving open space, carbon footprint, I can name all those different green terms that you hear out there. Parks promote that. We need to as a park system also promote the education of that," said Mike Donnellon with Oakland County Parks.

That is what the county hopes the greenhouse program will do. Participants chosen in the lottery will pay a one-time fee of $130 for heat, light and water. Then they provide the plants and the tender loving care needed to make them bloom and grow.

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Click here to fill out a greenhouse lottery form.   Forms should be mailed to: Attn: Beth Highley, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48328. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.