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| They may even be planting the day of the tour! |
These homeowners have transformed their 1,000 sf
parkway. Thanks
to landscape designer John Tikotsky for his guidance and sweat!
By the garden tour date, their two curving planting beds will be bursting with a colorful variety of succulents and California natives. The project was launched on November 11, 2011, when they hosted a Transition Mar Vista/Venice Lawn Removal Party and 20 people pitched in to remove the grass - see the video here. One circuit of the existing
frontyard sprinkler system was converted to accommodate dripper hoses, a
significant conservation of water. They have built up berms in the SE corner of
the parkway and front yard to keep rainwater on the premises. They are loving
the introduction of curving shapes into our landscape. Both Transition and Surfrider Ocean Friendly Garden members will be on hand to answer questions.
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| Favas |
Several years ago, they began portioning
off sections of the backyard for planting vegetables. They have had successful
crops of collards, fava beans, chard, string beans, carrots, zucchini, lettuce,
arugula, New Zealand spinach, strawberries and Christmas lima beans. Less luck
with broccoli, cauliflower, peas and corn. They are working around the shade of
their very prolific avocado tree and a smaller lime tree. In 2010, they planted
a dwarf peach tree, almond tree and grape vine. They are using straw and
Christmas tree clippings for mulch. All their food waste goes in the compost
bin. One rain barrel is installed, with more on the list.
A dream, maybe for next year, is to transform the front yard into a beautiful edible garden with stone raised beds and a meandering path. They put in a persimmon tree a couple of years ago, and envision a row of small fruit trees along the north edge of the property. An herb garden is already taking off.
