Wild Roots Gardens is a passion project of husband-and-wife team Matthew and Misty Olson. Matthew and Misty are lifelong learners and home gardeners with big hearts and a deep love of nature. The Olson’s have aspired to a life off the beaten path, growing more than children together for years. Recently they've been driven to bring their vision to fruition and experience a more fulfilling means of making a living together.

Additional factors have motivated this particular endeavor. Food insecurity and lack of education surrounding the accessibility of sustainable urban farming being a couple of big ones. Additionally, there is a growing understanding of the importance and impact of native planting. These things have an effect on communities locally as well as globally and the Olson's think they can help.

Wild Roots Gardens will begin at home, in the Olson's own backyard just blocks from historic downtown Niles, Michigan. Initially, the main services will be fresh home-grown food and floral arrangements. Food farming will happen alongside flower farming and some flowers will even be food. Surplus produce will be utilized to meet needs within their community.

Utilizing natural ecosystems including native flowers and plants produce many advantages. Indigenous plants are essential food and breeding ground for so many beneficial insects. They require less resources to thrive because of their acclimation to regional soil and weather conditions. Bonus, native flora makes exquisite and unique bouquets.

As the gardens grow, services will expand to include seeds and live plants, home composting supplies, honey, tours and classes. Wild Roots Gardens is committed to employing individuals with neurodiversity and disabilities. Our family includes such individuals, which gives us a personal understanding of the importance of creating safe work environments.

Matthew and Misty are excited to work with nature, making positive changes for themselves, the environment and to provide opportunities for education and engagement within the community.