Oakland University study: VEJ has one of the region's strongest pollinator gardens

Pollinators are animals, like bees, that help plants make fruit or seeds. They do this by moving pollen from one part of the flower or plant to another. The more pollinators, the more flowers and fruit.

Oakland University recently found in a study that VEJ has one of metro Detroit's strongest gardens for supporting pollinators. 

Over the course of a growing season, researchers from the university observed and recorded pollinator populations and varieties at 15 gardens and small farms in metro Detroit. Their study found that VEJ's Hope House & Gardens supported the greatest number of wild bees and second greatest number of all kinds of pollinators. 

"This goes to show that sometimes you make a difference in ways you don't expect or plan for," said VEJ executive director BT Irwin. "Whatever you give the Earth, the Earth gives back a hundred times more."

The study took place in 2017. Since then, VEJ has installed even more flowers and growth that pollinators like. With the news that Hope House & Gardens will get its own Bees in the D hive in 2020, VEJ will grow its contributions to Detroit's ecology even more. 

"When most people think of a garden, they think of how many people it can feed," said Irwin. "But a garden is a lot more than just food. It's beauty and tranquility. It's therapy. It's a source of beauty and life way, way beyond its borders. We're so grateful that VEJ's little garden is helping gardens and plant life and kitchen tables all over our neighborhood."

VEJ's garden season is still going strong and you can be part of it:

• To come to an Organic Sustainable Gardening class, click here.
• To volunteer in the garden on your own or with a group, click here.
  
• To donate materials, supplies, or tools, click here.
  
• To donate money, click here.