  Neversilent Member Username: Neversilent Post Number: 2 Registered: 03-2009 |
They need address's of vacant fields in the city to propose to the office of whatever ...anyway keep your eyes peeled for vacant fields that would look beautiful w/ tons of flowers etc.... spread the word> You can also contact me at 586-864-2467 Raymond .............................. ...... Dear Metro-Detroit Friends, I have the unique opportunity to propose a plan on how we in Detroit can turn some of the vacant lots into Sunflower fields, wild flower fields, and Native prairie grass fields instead of having the lots mowed this summer. With over 20,000+ vacant fields there is no way I could possibly pull this off without a lot of help. Can you help? As we all know the city of Detroit is broke, there is no money for this project so if there are other people out there who believe that our city would look better with fields of Sunflowers, wild flowers and Native prairie instead of mowed down fields of green, tan and brown we need to create a Flower Posse, fast! If there are people out there that believe these fields would better serve Mother Earth and restoring our soil now is the time to step up. Here is what would be needed: a set number of lots the Flower Posse would rehabilitate, lots of sunflower seeds, wildflower seeds, and prairie grass stock, and volunteers to establish the fields. Here's the tricky part; I am assured by a Detroit city official that the people who mow the fields will not read signs so there has to be fencing of some sort put into place or a group of people needed to track where the mowers are working through out the summer and meet them at the fields and tell them face to face "Do not mow this lot it's a sunflower field". Signs would help with the community knowing it was a field and not a vacant lot and may help defend the fields from the mow crews? The fields are mowed only two to three times a year, during the week never on the weekends except maybe Saturday morning, rarely. How beautiful would Detroit look with fields of Sunflowers? How happy would it make you to see fields of wildflowers on a bad day? How Green would it make our city to re-establish a Native Prairie? How can you help? I have one week to come up with a proposal for this project. Anyone who wants to come to the proposal meeting is welcomed. We need individuals, non-profits, churches, businesses, and corporations to step up NOW and adopt a lot, staff volunteers, and establish fields. If this project is to happen it needs to be well under way before the "Motor City Make-over" weekends in May. If you wish to adopt a lot, volunteer, donate seeds, defend the fields write me, call me, come knock on my door, stop me on the street but do it fast. Please spread this like wildfire throughout the city and beyond. Let's make this happen. Thank you. Peace, love and flower power, Kate Liberated Books is doing all we can to support this project. If you want to get involved please contact me ASAP 586-850-5896 or message me. Charity Davis Liberated Books | ||
Pcm Member Username: Pcm Post Number: 20 Registered: 01-2009 |
Super idea. | ||
Hauntedbeat Member Username: Hauntedbeat Post Number: 71 Registered: 07-2007 |
Yeah, but you gotta really maintain sunflower fields. When they die, they just turn into huge, dried out husks that have to be cleared annually. It would be pretty, though. | ||
Zrx_doug Member Username: Zrx_doug Post Number: 785 Registered: 03-2008 |
It is a good idea.. Gotta admit, I saw the thread title, and I figured it was gonna be a plan to give Monica Conyers to Southfield or something.  | ||
Detroiterbychoice Member Username: Detroiterbychoice Post Number: 178 Registered: 04-2008 |
I will plant a bamboo garden. It grows like a foot a week, looks awesome. Eats 3 x more C02 than trees. Ive been looking for a plot to do this on, but have yet to purchase one. I feel like bamboo is great way to enhance the city. Pretty, clean, and people will see quick results (within a few months even). Where / when is the meeting. | ||
Bobl Member Username: Bobl Post Number: 595 Registered: 07-2008 |
Replacing lawns with native prairie grass and flowers certainly seems to make sense. I am not a biologist or botanist, but native plants would likely be the way to go, rather than non native plants. | ||
Neversilent Member Username: Neversilent Post Number: 3 Registered: 03-2009 |
Im not positive when the meeting is, I believe The person who runs liberated books is waiting to see if it gets the ok from the city ...Then she will get back with me , I sent her a ton of addresses so hopefully that helped.....As for the sunflowers , for the most part the bigger fields would obviously be wildflowers and prairie grass, w/ sunflowers in some spots and smaller fields, this is of course up to you....They need people to gather friends and adopt a lot, which would entail, preparing the soil, planting, making the signs, and purchasing seeds. If you want more information contact Charity Davis at the number on the thread.. If you want an address you can contact me my info is at the top... Thanks to all | ||
Big_baby_jebus Member Username: Big_baby_jebus Post Number: 99 Registered: 09-2008 |
My only issue is that if you let wild flowers and sunflowers grow unrestricted it will be even more dangerous for driving than the already overgrown weeds. I almost get hit like once a month driving around in summer because I can't see if another car is coming, this might make it even harder to see at some intersections. Other than that I love the idea. I myself am clearing two lot by my house this summer and adding a garden. | ||
Johnnie_sue_bridges Member Username: Johnnie_sue_bridges Post Number: 44 Registered: 08-2007 |
Dear Neversilent There is a lot on 35th Street where my old School, Ellis Elementary, used to be. It is one full block between the streets of Rich and Buchanan & Junction and 35th Street. I would love to see a field of daisies there. I do not have access to the means in plowing those fields, but I am willing to volunteer to help plant seeds or whatever you need, when I am in town during the summer. God bless your project. Johnnie Sue Bridges | ||
Neversilent Member Username: Neversilent Post Number: 4 Registered: 03-2009 |
JSB, Thank you and I will note the address and just keep the contact info and get in touch when your in town peace and love | ||
Neversilent Member Username: Neversilent Post Number: 5 Registered: 03-2009 |
I love bamboo!! Hopefully everything will work out ..... | ||
Johnnie_sue_bridges Member Username: Johnnie_sue_bridges Post Number: 45 Registered: 08-2007 |
Neversilent I love bamboo as well, but will it withstand the harsh winter weather here in Detroit to return as a perennial? I do not always go with the band, but this is Rare Earth’s Schedule thus far, and I cannot commit during these times. · April 10, 2009: Lebanon, MO (w/ Iron Butterfly) · May 23, 2009: Riverside, IA (Riverside Casino and Golf Resort) · June 6, 2009: Las Vegas, NV (Freemont Experience) · June 27, 2009: Hutchinson, KS (Hutch Fest) · July 18, 2009: Lorain, OH (Cowan Civic Center) · July 30, 2009: Tallmadge, OH (Summit County Fair) · Sept 5, 2009: Buffalo Grove, IL · Sept 6, 2009: Lexington, MI (Lexington Music Theater) · Oct 24, 2009: Las Vegas, NV (Cannery Casino) I am scheduled to be at the Mountain Heritage Literary Festival June 10th through June 29th. At this time my availability is, Mon, Tue, Thurs & Fri after 5:00pm and all day Wednesdays and Saturdays. I would love to be involved in a Detroit project, especially the area of 35th Street. Keep me posted. Johnnie Sue Bridges | ||
Docterry Member Username: Docterry Post Number: 157 Registered: 08-2008 |
There is a need to stick to native plants or really get the info on "imports". The variety of bamboo often used as an ornamental here in the city and even in the UP some years back is extremely invasive and difficult to keep under control - it takes over everything and you can't just pull it out and expect it to stay gone. The winters, even in the UP, do not hamper it. That said, I'd be willing to help out but can't assume responsibility for a project on my own. Most of the lots around here are filled with gravel to make for parking, so I'd sign on with someone else's. | ||
Johnnie_sue_bridges Member Username: Johnnie_sue_bridges Post Number: 46 Registered: 08-2007 |
Lookie here Neversilent I shot this beautiful field of flowers that I spotted last year. This was an empty field, as well. See what a beautiful thought can turn into. I thought you might want to see just what a nice idea you really had. God Bless Johnnie Sue http://i212.photobucket.com/al bums/cc24/johnniesue1958/IMG_9 900.jpg http://i212.photobucket.com/al bums/cc24/johnniesue1958/IMG_9 890.jpg http://i212.photobucket.com/al bums/cc24/johnniesue1958/IMG_9 937.jpg http://i212.photobucket.com/al bums/cc24/johnniesue1958/IMG_9 957.jpg http://i212.photobucket.com/al bums/cc24/johnniesue1958/IMG_9 824.jpg | ||
Thirdheart Member Username: Thirdheart Post Number: 2 Registered: 01-2009 |
Those pictures of the field of flowers are beautiful. I would love to see tons of fields of wildflowers while driving through Detroit this summer. | ||
Detmsp Member Username: Detmsp Post Number: 79 Registered: 08-2008 |
great idea! another plus to this is that growing sunflowers actually helps decontaminate soil. WIN-WIN! | ||
Oldestuff Member Username: Oldestuff Post Number: 119 Registered: 01-2007 |
Please post where the sunflowers are planted so I can transport all the squirrels from my neighborhood. I can't grow a single one without them devouring the thing, | ||
321brian Member Username: 321brian Post Number: 609 Registered: 02-2006 |
Bamboo is a terrible idea. It will spread like the tree of heaven or ghetto palm as many of you know it. If you don't want to plant native species don't plan anything. | ||
Kathinozarks Member Username: Kathinozarks Post Number: 1882 Registered: 11-2006 |
I'm glad you posted your beautiful pictures, Johnnie Sue. It's always great to be able to show what something might look like. It helps get our creative minds moving. And it seems more 'do-able'. In Texas they have tons of bluebonnet flowers alongside the highways. People stop and have their pictures taken all the time. Beautiful wildflower fields would elevate people's moods, don't you think? Well, not teenagers and young adults - but they don't notice anything but themselves, do they (did we?). Good luck to you all and may God bless your project with much rain, sunshine, hard workers and love. First Cub, now this? This is beautiful. | ||
6nois Member Username: 6nois Post Number: 810 Registered: 11-2006 |
I would love to volunteer and help in some ones field sadly this year I am going to gone part of the summer so I can't take up my own field. | ||
Busterwmu Member Username: Busterwmu Post Number: 530 Registered: 09-2004 |
Ford Motor Company regularly plants sunflowers on some undeveloped stretches of land where the old HQ was at Schaefer & I-94, east of the current World HQ on Michigan Avenue, and along the Southfield south of Rotunda. They always look beautiful. This is a great idea! | ||
Detroiterbychoice Member Username: Detroiterbychoice Post Number: 179 Registered: 04-2008 |
I know everyone says bamboo grows like crazy, but that is the point. We could turn detroit into a rainforest. haha It can be controlled if you plant it properly, AND it will survive through the winter. There are tons of varieties, so if done properly you can have something great. http://www.mibamboo.com/ | ||
Neversilent Member Username: Neversilent Post Number: 7 Registered: 03-2009 |
Detroiter ... Agreed | ||
321brian Member Username: 321brian Post Number: 613 Registered: 02-2006 |
I doubt that it will be controlled in the long term. Not many species so competitive are. I think wildflowers, a variety of native trees, and native grasses will work great. I am also a little reluctant to give this up because I want to corner the market but I know urban farming is getting more and more play these days and I am just waiting for someone to start planting christmas trees and pumpkins. | ||
Detroitjim Member Username: Detroitjim Post Number: 66 Registered: 02-2008 |
Yes I think that sunflowers are the best idea. The neighborhood rats are looking quite emaciated! Planting whole blocks will keep Ben and his offspring nicely fed through the upcoming winters . | ||
Dcmorrison12 Member Username: Dcmorrison12 Post Number: 42 Registered: 02-2009 |
I know a Wayne State environmental group that would love to help out. I need some contact information. Can I get an e-mail or a website? | ||
Fishtoes2000 Member Username: Fishtoes2000 Post Number: 719 Registered: 06-2005 |
Not that it's a requirement, but is the Greening of Detroit a partner in this plan? They are already developing meadow stands and have a history of making them work. | ||
Gthomas Member Username: Gthomas Post Number: 172 Registered: 09-2004 |
Can we also plant spruces, evergreens, and shade trees with your project. Include benches, brick planting beds/ retaining walls, and unique lighting. Maybe install security camara in and around your project area? | ||
Detroitchef Member Username: Detroitchef Post Number: 138 Registered: 09-2008 |
I am 100% against the idea of planting the basic_yellow_sunflower in downtown detroit. If you plant these suburbanite flowers, you will displace our native population of rats with suburbanite basic_brown_squirrels and that is just racist! Here in Amerika, the rat population (back_atcha) is ground under the foot of your basic_brown_squirrel and letting these devils steal the sunflowerkernels that feed our baby rats is another example of the plantation-squirrel attitude. Why attack the rats at all? It's becasue the surburbanite squirrels cant stand the thought of a city rat just eating al those lovely sunflowers, so they must lash out and destroy the rats as they have done throughout History. Seriously, if you want to beautify Detroit, get Monica COnyers the hell out of town, or make her wear a bag over her head or something. | ||
Stosh Member Username: Stosh Post Number: 73 Registered: 01-2009 |
I really see no difference between the sunflower field and a vacant lot that has not been mowed. Both are unstructured, both look unruly, and both provide cover for those that could possibly prey on children or rob and kill people. There are reasons that the city currently (sometimes) mows the fields. Low growing wildflowers, flowering ground cover, may be a better option. |
