Meet Julie Brunson: Growing H.O.P.E. in the Heart of Wyoming, MI
As the Executive Director and co-founder of H.O.P.E. Gardens, Julie Brunson’s journey is deeply rooted in personal experiences and a passion for cultivating resilience through gardening. Alongside her husband, Julie established H.O.P.E. Gardens with the mission of inspiring children and families in Wyoming, MI, to connect with their food and nurture their communities through nature-based gardening.
Julie’s inspiration stems from her own experiences with food insecurity, both in childhood and adulthood. Gardening became a lifeline for her family, providing not only food security but also invaluable lessons in sustainability and self-reliance. In 2013, Julie and her husband transitioned their home garden to a no-till, nature-based approach, discovering a cost-effective and fruitful method that became the foundation for the teachings at H.O.P.E. Gardens.
Before dedicating herself to H.O.P.E. Gardens, Julie balanced roles as a waitress and co-owner of a painting business. Her professional journey has been enriched by her hands-on experience in gardening, completion of the MSU Extension Master Gardener program, and ServSafe certification through the Michigan Fitness Foundation.
Julie’s passion for food security extends beyond the garden. She is a member of the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force, serving on the Food Policy Council to help create solutions for food access and equity in Kent County. Recently, she traveled to the state capitol to meet with representatives, advocating for policies that address food insecurity and ensure more families have access to fresh, nutritious food.
Julie’s favorite part of her work is witnessing children and families discover the joy of gardening and develop life skills that ripple out into their lives. Whether it’s planting seeds, harvesting fresh produce, or sharing meals prepared with love, the connections forged at H.O.P.E. Gardens are at the heart of her dedication.
Outside of work, Julie finds solace in nature, whether walking scenic trails or tending to her home garden. Her love for heirloom tomatoes speaks to her creative spirit—she relishes growing a variety of them and showcasing their beauty in vibrant presentations.
Julie’s advice for budding gardeners is simple: start small, observe, and be open to learning. “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when trying something new,” she says, “but each season brings lessons that help you grow.”
For Julie, the true reward of her work lies in seeing the seeds of H.O.P.E. spread through the community, empowering future generations to cultivate a better, healthier world. “It is truly an honor,” she reflects, “to grow alongside children and families and witness the impact we can make together.”
