While houses were being torn down around her childhood Detroit home, a local teacher wanted to find a way to beautify her neighborhood. Marilyn Griffin decided to transform several vacant lots into tranquil, vibrant gardens on Detroit’s west side.
It all started when Marilyn‘s dad purchased a lot from the Detroit Land Bank. She had a vision to turn blight into beauty. What started with one lot has now become five lots with thriving gardens.
“It’s just a really welcoming and peaceful space,” Marilyn said.
The gardens have a combination of veggies, herbs, native plants, and non-native plants. Not only does Marilyn share this space with nature, she welcomes a community to take in all of the beauty.
“We have what we call Summer Saturdays,” Marilyn explained. “This year, it’s 10 Saturdays out of the summer, where literally the day starts with 9 a.m. meditation, 10 a.m. yoga, and it’s different wellness instructors.”
Marilyn is no longer a teacher. Instead, she tends to the garden full time, and says it takes three hours to water each day.
Free summer events at Griffin Gardens will continue through September.
Watch the video above to see the gardens.