Spring and gardening events continue at the library this May! Grab seeds from seed libraries, participate in plant exchanges, and get connected with local organizations and programs.
Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund Application Tour
Sherwood Forest Branch
Thursday, May 7, 5:00 – 7:30 pm
Learn about this special opportunity for Black farmers to own land in the city of Detroit. The Detroit Black Farmer Land Fund is a special grant opportunity that aims to address systemic inequities in land ownership by helping Black farmers in Detroit secure property. Since its inception, the fund has played a pivotal role in empowering Black growers, fostering food sovereignty, and creating sustainable agricultural practices in the community.
Discover:
- Guidance on completing applications to maximize the chances of success.
- One-on-one support from DBFLF representatives.
- Opportunities to network with other aspiring farmers and local agricultural advocates.
- Information on funding, resources, and next steps for land acquisition.
Benefits of Participating:
- Ownership and Empowerment: The fund helps break down barriers to land ownership, fostering economic independence and food security within Black communities.
- Cultural Preservation: This initiative supports the continuation of agricultural traditions rooted in Black history and the African diaspora.
- Community Impact: With more local growers, Detroit benefits from improved access to fresh, healthy, and affordable produce, building a stronger, more resilient local food system.
- Environmental Stewardship: Participants can contribute to sustainable farming practices, improving urban green spaces and ecological health.
Don't miss the opportunity to learn about this grant before it opens for applications on Juneteenth, 2026!
Chase Seed Stations
Chase Branch
Ongoing
Our seed library is free and open to all, we have a wide variety of flowers and vegetables. Additionally, we are offering the 2026 One Seed, One State selection. Once you select your seed packets, please let a staff member know how many packets you have taken
Seed Library @ Parkman Branch!
Parkman Branch
Month of May
Pick up free flower and vegetable seeds at the Parkman Branch and start your garden today!
Ready, Set, Grow!
Children’s Library at Main
Wednesdays in May, 1:00 – 2:00 pm
From decorative indoor plants, farming for our food, the importance of bee keeping or the whimsy of fairy gardens - join us throughout May to explore nature through stories, simple science, and planting activities. Young participants will learn how plants grow, where food comes from, and how to care for living things. All ages welcome, best suited for ages 6-12.
Paper Pot Seedlings
Parkman Branch
Saturday, May 2, 2:00 – 3:30 pm
Learn how to create eco-friendly, biodegradable planting pots using simple paper that help protect young roots and make gardening easy. In this make and take program, Keep Growing Detroit will guide you in crafting your own pots and successfully transplanting a basil plant seedling to take home. Adults and families welcome.
Build a Bug: Saturday Crafternoon
Elmwood Park Branch
Saturday, May 9, Noon – 1:00 pm
Build your own creepy-crawly friends and welcome spring with some hands-on bug fun!
Paper Pot Seed Starting
Edison Branch
Saturday, May 9, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
Representatives from Keep Growing Detroit will teach us hot to turn old newspapers into eco-friendly seed starting pots.
Introduction to Rain Gardens
Campbell Branch
Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
In this one-hour class you will learn about rain gardens and how they work, as well as the environmental benefits a rain garden provides, the beauty it can flaunt, and the maintenance that a rain garden needs to thrive. This class is an introduction to a five-week course, Master Rain Gardener Class, that goes more in-depth and explains the process of installing a rain garden. This project has been through Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy’s Nonpoint Source Program by the United States Protection Agency.
Hosta Exchange Meetup
Edison Branch
Wednesday, May 13, 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Bring your divided Hostas to trade with other gardening enthusiasts and diversify your shade garden at no cost!
DIY Pollinator Bath
Parkman Branch
Saturday, May 16, 2:00 – 3:00 pm
Join us for a relaxing, eco-friendly craft session where we’ll build custom Pollinator Baths for your garden or balcony.
Native Plant Swap with Huron-Clinton Metroparks
Sherwood Forest Branch
Saturday, May 16, 2:00 – 4:00 pm
Join the Huron-Clinton Metroparks for a Native Plant Swap. Whether you’ve started them from seed, have leftovers from your garden, or just need to make space, this potluck-style event is a great chance to trade and discover new native varieties. No plants to swap? No worries — you’re still welcome to come and pick up a few native plants for your garden or yard! Discover more about native plants, invasive species, and how you can become a Master Rain Gardener.
Painted Plants
Jefferson Branch
Tuesday, May 19, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Celebrate Spring by joining us to paint your own plant pot, and then fill it with a flowery friend. This program is intended for children, and their families.
Spring Tea Party
Sherwood Forest Branch
Thursday, May 21, 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Join us for a delightful afternoon filled with tasty treats and fun activities recommended for ages 5-8. Registration is not required, but first-come, first-served on the day of the program.
Plant Exchange
Main Library
Saturday, May 30, 11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Bring your extra plants, and take home new ones at the plant exchange. You do not need to bring plants, though you are welcome to. Master Gardeners will be available to make presentations and answer questions. Plus light refreshments.