With four successful tours under their belt, Mar Vista Garden Tours is on its 5th year of showcasing ways that the community of Mar Vista has gone green. The tour starts on April 20th from 10 am to 4pm. Last year there were over 2,000 attendees that took part in the tour. The Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase “seeks to empower Los Angelenos to adopt environmentally conscious living solutions.”. The tour gives the community an opportunity to meet one another as they visit the gardens and speak with other garden enthusiasts.
A garden that I have recently been working on is being showcased on the tour. The address is 3919 Alla Rd.
This edible landscape was planted in October, 2012. The owners wanted a real family garden where their children could grow up in touch with nature.
They designed and build the fence, pergola, raised boxes and chicken coup, and did research on raising chickens and organic gardening.
They asked me to to help guide them with the design concept and choice of plants.
The old water thirsty turf was replaced by native sod, which reduces water use by 50%. Front garden beds were filled with Mediterranean and California native plants interspersed with herbs and edibles. In the back garden a fence planted with Rosa ‘Polka’ , Blackberry and Sweet peas separates the area where the chickens roam freely from the lawn. Raised beds are filled with rotating crops of seasonal vegetables. A blueberry hedge is a new addition while the old lemon tree continues to provide a bounty of fruit.
This is a first year garden planted with love and attention to organic growing principles. You’re invited to come and enjoy!