Where Our Story Began
Ten years ago, in 2015, founders Rich and Julie Brunson built a small greenhouse in their backyard and transformed their basement into a grow room where trays of seedlings thrived under the soft glow of grow lights.
Those first sprouts carried the heart of what H.O.P.E. Gardens would become: a place where learning, growing, and community take root.
From Backyard to Community
In 2018, Luurtsema Sales generously gifted two small greenhouses, expanding our growing space and allowing thousands of seedlings to take root in school gardens, family plots, and community programs across West Michigan.
By 2023, our roots had spread even further. Flowerland of Wyoming opened its greenhouses to us. For three wonderful years, we grew thousands of plants and hosted our now annual Heirloom Plant Sale surrounded by students, volunteers, and neighbors, all sharing in the joy of growing food together.
The plants we nurtured filled school and community gardens, supported local food banks, and gave students the chance to grow their own food at home.
A New Chapter Begins
When Flowerland closed its doors this year, it marked the end of a beautiful chapter — and the beginning of an exciting new one.
This fall, we were offered an incredible opportunity: six acres of land where we can finally create a permanent home for our greenhouse and a thriving community garden — a space ready to bloom with learning, growth, and connection.
Why It Matters
In 2025 alone, we sold 5,250 plants and gave away 6,600 more to students, schools, and community partners across West Michigan. Every single plant was a lesson, a meal, a connection — a seed of hope.
Now, we’re ready to take the next step.
We want to purchase this greenhouse. A space large enough to grow thousands of plants each season, provide hands-on learning for students, and serve as a seasonal hub for community programs, volunteer opportunities, and food access initiatives.
Plant the Seeds of Something Extraordinary
Your support will help us create a lasting home for growing food, knowledge, and hope.
Together, we can build a place where every seed planted strengthens our community and every child learns that they have the power to grow something good.
Donate today to help build our new H.O.P.E. Gardens greenhouse!