Warren resident Jeff Matheus was living his dream Saturday afternoon filling raised beds with dirt and compost at the new South Warren Community Garden on Toepfer Road.

Located east of Schoenherr Road, two doors down from a collision shop, the garden was an idea Matheus and friends Lauren Schandevel and Zach Carick envisioned after volunteering at the Eastpointe Urban Seed Community Garden.

“I got here a little bit early and put up these four garden beds and we are going to add two more for a total of six,” Matheus said.

Bestie’s Landscape Supply, which is located just around the corner from the garden, gave the garden a discounted rate on fresh compost and a large pile sits at the west end of the garden waiting to be distributed. Little by little, with the help of other garden-loving folks, Matheus wants to build this new space out and make it a community hub.

It has taken nine months to get through all of the steps working with Warren’s city administration to finally be able to plant vegetables on site. Matheus said Council Member Angela Rogensues helped him navigate the hurdles and he credits her with helping to make his garden dream a reality.

“I think we would not be here without her constantly pushing for us,” said Matheus.

Due to restrictions put in place by the city, residents will not be able to rent beds at the garden. All food grown there will be distributed to the community in a manner to be later determined.

“There are some interesting hurdles, for example the fact that we can’t keep our tools here, and we also have to mow this property but we are not allowed to house mowing equipment here,” said Matheus. “We’re thinking of some creative solutions.”

Matheus said one idea he is entertaining is having a mobile shed in a truck bed that can be brought to the garden site when needed.

“We are really focusing on growing as much food as we can for the community this year,” Matheus said.

Like the Eastpointe Urban Seed location, Matheus will establish a regular day when people can come and volunteer at the garden, planting, maintaining garden beds, and harvesting. He has not settled on a day but said it will be either Saturday or Sunday and will likely be a 10 a.m — 2 p.m or noon to 4 p.m slot.

“I’m thrilled but constantly worrying because there are so many facets and I want to make sure this is a success,” Matheus said. “I will feel good at the end of the season when we get these vegetables into people’s hands.”

For more information on the South Warren Community Garden visit urbanseed.info or follow them on Facebook. Urban Seed is a 501 © 3 nonprofit.