Finlandia Gardens

As autumn approaches we celebrate the 22nd year since the founding of Finlandia Community Gardens at the Finnish Center.  Beginning with a small garden club, the areas around the building were enhanced with shrubs and blooming perennials. Later,  as funds became available, the gardens were gradually expanded and now encompass six acres of our property.  These include over sixty areas of interest including Little Free Libraries, a Children’s Space, a Wood Shop,  Scout Trail around our Wetland, a pond, vegetable gardens, a Memorial Garden, and a greenhouse.   We are designated as an urban wildlife habitat, a community garden, and we display a plethora of annual and perennial flora in each growing season.  We have over 55 different species of evergreen and deciduous trees providing shade and seasonal appeal.  

Through the years we have had FCA members, MSU Master Gardeners, and other garden enthusiasts who have engendered  beauty to our Finnish community by making their contributions and then passing on, leaving evidence of their presence with the beauty of the gardens.

We anticipate the appeal of the autumnal season, the flora that enhances our landscape, and appreciate the Finnish contribution our gardens make to the greater community.  Your visitation to Finlandia Gardens adds even more beauty to an expanding habitat.  A tour of Finlandia Gardens can be arranged both for individuals and groups.

Recent additions to the gardens include a Marian Garden, providing a location for prayer and contemplation, a garden honoring the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority of Farmington Hills, and a Children’s Space with  numerous attractions for children including a Little Free Library.  

Our Evergreen Copse is growing rapidly, enclosing our Sanctuary and creating a nesting location for numerous birds.

A pond, adjoining our wetland, attracts amphibians, Blue Herons, and other waterfowl.

Garden happenings this growing season have included a number of activities and events which have been of significance.  We have given Cub Scout and others tours of the gardens.  The aging bridge over the swale has been replaced, improving safety and beauty in our gardens.  Undesired sculpture around the building has been removed.  Trees in the landscape are being trimmed which has been needed for some time.  We have removed five unsightly trees in the Wedding Garden.

Visitors increasingly walk in our gardens and use them for reflection and rest.  Lounge rental guests often use the patio and other areas of the gardens during events.

Our Little Free Libraries are a continuing success and function without gardener assistance.  Vegetable gardens are producing  and our peach tree near Eight Mile is loaded with a bounteous crop.  Unfortunately our large Michigan white pine tree is dying, for no explainable reason, but so it goes in the world of verdure.  The newly painted portions of the east and north sides of the building have added a fresh touch.  Now the wooden beams that define the Finnish design of the building, need repair and staining.  This will return the building to its original beauty which I, believe it or not, can remember.  Weather this summer has not diminished the floral beauty of the gardens and we have been able to keep up with the watering.  

Our loyal gardeners should be honored, along with the other FCA volunteers in some way as has been promised many times in the past but has never has come to fruition.

Your questions and comments are requested.

David Sharpe

FCA Landscape Coordinator

See our “About” page to learn more about visiting, and our “Get Involved” page to see how you can participate!

“Finlandia Gardens has great diversity and lets you volunteer any day of the week allowing you to have your weekends free.”

– Gayle, volunteer and garden coordinator

“I was able to set up my baby near me while I was volunteering in the gardens, and they were flexible with my ever changing schedule. They welcomed my input and I had the opportunity to help in many different areas and learn as I went.”

– Abby, volunteer