Redford veteran's exotic garden causes battle with Wayne County

REDFORD TWP., Mich. (WJBK) - One young veteran in Redford is facing a battle right here on American soil he never thought he would have to fight -- over the garden in his front yard.

"I just started at the corner there by the driveway and people liked it," said Jacob Stafford. "So the neighbors started bringing stuff and it just sort of built from there."

After three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Jacob finds solace and so much more cultivating a garden at his home in Redford Township. 

"I got some PTSD issues that I am working through and some hyper vigilance and this was really therapeutic for me," he said.

"He's very calm and relaxed when he's out here working," said neighbor Jennifer Kitts.

With the support of his neighbors the garden has grown. Exotic plants and homemade sculptures canvas the property. 

"It is so nice just to be able to see everything and then it all starts to bloom.  It's so beautiful," said Lisa Bennett, a neighbor.

He says the garden was born after police were at the scene for a barricaded gunman situation down the road from his house about four years ago.
 
He claims an armored vehicle tore up his yard, but using his skills and passion he made the best of the situation.  About a year ago however he was asked by the city to stop.  The claims were that someone complained.
 
Stafford says it’s a work of art and he doesn't want to compromise it.
 
He says he's been ticketed five times for building on a portion of property that is technically owned by the county. He has been sent numerous letters from the county telling him he needs to remove the "unauthorized landscape."
 
According to the letter sent back in September the county claims they will be out here any time after the 15th. Which was Monday, to clear whatever is on county property."

Through a statement the county says a homeowner should always check with the township before starting a project that may encroach the municipality's right of way
 
Stafford says whatever happens he hopes to complete his project one way or another.