Lafayette Greens

Lafayette Greens is an urban garden and green space located in the heart of downtown Detroit, Michigan. Established in 2014, this 0.5-acre park is managed by The Greening of Detroit, a non-profit environmental organization. The garden occupies a formerly vacant lot next to the famous Coney Islands and across from the Westin Book Cadillac Hotel.

The park features 35 raised beds where chemical-free fruits, vegetables, herbs, and flowers are grown annually. It has been designed to address various environmental concerns, including stormwater run-off management, soil contamination mitigation, and air quality improvement. The garden incorporates an urban bioswale for stormwater management and uses drought-tolerant Fescue lawns to conserve water.

Lafayette Greens is a certified pollinator garden, focusing on growing plants that attract butterflies, native and honey bees, and birds. This emphasis on pollinator habitat makes it a rare and valuable ecosystem within the urban environment. The park also includes heirloom fruit trees, vines, and berry plants, contributing to its biodiversity.

The garden serves multiple purposes beyond its environmental benefits. It acts as a demonstration garden, showcasing sustainable urban agriculture practices. The produce grown in the garden, which amounts to over 800 pounds annually, is donated to local food banks and charitable organizations such as Gleaner's Community Food Bank and Freedom House.

Lafayette Greens also functions as a community space, offering seasonal programming and educational opportunities. The park hosts various events, including yoga classes, live music performances, and gardening workshops. It provides a place for city workers, residents, and visitors to relax, enjoy nature, and learn about urban agriculture and sustainability.

The design of Lafayette Greens incorporates recycled materials, demonstrating sustainable practices. Broken sidewalk pieces from across the city have been repurposed as pavers in the garden. The garden sheds are constructed from reclaimed pallet wood and salvaged doors, while planters in the children's garden area are made from repurposed steel drums.