3430 Veteran Avenue

The homeowners started this garden—christened Sundara Rustic Garden—8 years ago as a water conserving. Their goal was to provide variation of color, textures and size using all drought resistant plants, with a focus on California natives. Our local San Gabriel Mountains inspired poppy reseeding and spreading of a natural landscape.

A perennial glabrous eye stunner called the Matilija poppy is the most recent addition. Its fluttering crepe-like white petals and the central cluster of bright yellow stamens reaches 6-12 inches across. Thousands of poppy seeds have reseeded over the past 8 years, making each Spring more breathtaking then the previous year

Wildlife has changed. Many more Hummingbirds visite in spite of the garden mascot "Marlow," a cat who likes to welcome anyone who ventures into her beloved garden.

The owners water inconsistently, with anywhere from two to three weeks between watering and spend just enough on maintenance time to keep the grass and weed levels down..

Sundara Rustic Garden welcomes you warmly to enjoy a beautiful palette of plant eye candy.

3041 Midvale Avenue

This garden makeover followed on the heels of a home redesign. The homeowners wanted to create a front yard garden that was low maintenance and afforded the luxury of sitting outside to enjoy the neighborhood community, but still allowed some degree of protection from people just wandering into the yard.

The design of the garden is inspired by the unique elongated proportions of the new architecture. Repeating those same elongated shapes in the garden helps reflect the house while creating an interesting forecourt to circulate through, making the garden feel bigger. A wood deck is a slightly new take on the traditional front porch. It is protected by an overhang that is held away from the house, allowing planting between the deck and the house. Each planter holds a display of different colored succulents and drought tolerant grass-like plants. The front berm creates a physical barrier giving some visual drama to the street while allowing open site lines to the house.

Designer Victoria Pakshong with place, a landscape and architectual collaborative, will be on hand, as well as landscaper Raul Castillo of Eco-nomical Landscape.

2561 Amherst Avenue

This do-it-yourself landscaper wanted to create a low-maintenance, earth friendly and water-efficient front yard. The plan was to pick a small group of low water intensive plants and trees and then surround them with mulch so that they would 'pop'. The photos attest to the success of this plan.

Everything in the yard was readily available at the local Home Depot. Recycled crushed red brick serves as mulch in the parkway and is also used in the driveway. Dark grey-blue slate stepping stones across the front of the house are re-purposed from the back yard where they were embedded in concrete between laundry poles which have been removed. The large California agave spawns pups that can be cut and potted.

This is a very low maintenance garden. The homeowner waters and trims very infrequently. Wind and rain doesn’t disturb the large areas of black mulch, but leaves sometimes get caught on it and need to be picked up

3628 Rosewood Avenue

This garden project began in 2009 with a goal to remove a two-car concrete slab that occupied most of the front yard, and replace struggling non-native plants and a water-guzzling lawn. 

They opted for an outdoor deck, rosemary and thyme groundcover with flagstone pathways, low-water plants and trees, and a permeable one-car driveway that doubles as a planter.  They asked Ocean Charter mom and designer Patty Binder to help them create a child-friendly garden that would attract butterflies and bees, and hummingbirds and fairies.

The garden has bloomed and become a favorite gathering space for family and friends.  They've since added a shade canopy on the deck and installed solar panels to the collect sunshine on our roof. Open Neighborhoods will be on hand to answer questions about their community solar programs.

13119 Warren Avenue

This garden's evolution began when the owners moved into the home 15 years ago.  The front yard was dominated by a sloping, shade-defeated lawn.  The backyard lacked variety in its plantings: one Italian Stone Pine surrounded by Rosemary, a lawn that sloped toward the house causing drainage problems and a hillside of iceplant.  The side yards were covered in English Ivy.  Finding vermin in the Ivy and Iceplant convinced them that things had to change. 

Following a one-day class on hardscaping, the make-over was soon underway.  After the hardscaping was complete, Stephen Gabor, a landscape architect and family friend, helped to select sandy-loam loving plants for the front, side and lower-back areas.  After several years pause, they added the terracing on the hillside and with an eye to helping our environment, planted California Natives.  To reduce water consumption, they converted the traditional lawn to UC Verde Buffalo Grass.  They discovered an unforseen benefit of this choice-  Buffao Grass is hypoallergenic).

A wider variety of birds and insects now visit the garden - the garden has become an ecosystem - it is so alive now.  They planted the hillside plants this winter and last winter, so it is a young garden.  The long term goal is to bring the California Natives into the established areas of the garden.

3440 Cabrillo Boulevard

Few things in life are as rewarding as a Do-It-Yourself project.  Except, possibly, a DIY project with just the right amount of help. 

After years of effort but not enough satisfaction with their sustainable landscaping (think: scrawny, bitter vegetables, dirty, dry soil, and a general lack of aesthetic appeal), this homeowner decided to call in an expert, Deni Freise of Custom Scapes.  Three months later….

The 3 raised beds are all producing edibles such as lettuce, kale, dill.  The weather has been helpful, but the big bonus came from adding several inches of mulch.  Some of mulch was bark, purchased at the local hardware store.  Some additional leaf mulch has ZERO NO CARBON FOOTPRINT.  The homeowner spied a neighbor raking leaves and together they transferred several big tubs full of dried leaves to the veggie plots.  If you haven’t stomped on crunchy, crackly leaves, you’re missing out.

Foodies take note!  In the herb garden, just three short steps from the front door you will find Spanish and Italian Oregano, parsley, sage and thyme.  Deni also helped to select low maintenance California natives, which were deeply mulched, watered a few times, and then left to their own devices.  The front of the yard now offers a cheery display of purple, yellow and orange flowers (monkey flower, California poppy, statice, Santa Barbara Daisy, gazania and more!)  Pre-existing succulents were re-located to form more artful arrangements.

In addition to the support of local birds and pollinators provided by the native plantings, this homeowner is providing “affordable housing” to Western  bluebird and other small avian feathered locals.  Come by and listen to our guest presenter, Roy Van de Hoek, as he explains how we can restore these tiny friends to our area by hanging Blue Bird houses in our trees.  Van de Hoek will be taking sign-ups for those interested in obtaining their own Blue Bird house. Check out this video of Roy teaching kids about bluebirds!

Roy with faux bluebirds

A blue bird house and pole to install

Constant Solar will be on hand to answer questions about their solar panels.

Last but not least, there are dozens of tiny oranges on the Blood Orange tree.  A few should be ready to sample by April 21.  Hope to see you then!

3968 McLaughlin Avenue

"Goodbye Grass, Hello Garden!" 

This was the inspiration of this Front Yard landscape project and thanks to Landscape Architect John A. Tikotsky, their dream came true, even better than they thought!  Between now and the date of the tour, we can watch their dream take shape.

It's not only a garden, it has wonderful Earth friendly features and it's very productive:

* Organic Vegetable planting circle (will plant more than 15 varieties of veggies)

* Organic fruit trees( Fuji apple, banana tree, blackberry, blueberry, plum, lemon,

   Tangerine Tree, grape vines )

* Medical Herbs Spiral with many traditional Chinese tonic herbs inside

* Waterwise irrigation system, filters, drippers… (their next step is to add a

   rain barrel)

* Bee saver flowers beds (in the backyard and sidewalk)

* Blower-free

* Reused broken concret pieces, applied D.G. etc. 

Fresh organic blueberries!

They started organic gardening in their backyard in 2006, planting different veggies and herbs; they also got a composter from the City of LA in 2007. Wild life visits the garden - bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, wild birds, squirrels…everyone is happy and they enjoy the fresh veggies all year long.

They began the front yard garden in  Nov. 2011 - 95% structure is done and they  will start planting soon. They enjoy seeing the changes every week and are very excited about the countless benefits and happiness which it will bring to them and the entire neighborhood.

Landscape Architect John A. Tikotsky will be on hand to answer questions.

3875 Marcasel Avenue

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.

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.

12806 Stanwood Drive

Previously a neglected collection of hardened dry earth, orphaned succulents, a gnarled tree, and cracked asphalt, this front yard now boasts an entirely drought tolerant landscape set in decomposed granite and dotted by three stone boulders.  

Bryan Richards of Real Natives Landscape Design helped the homeowners realize their dream of transforming this lackluster entrance to their new house, which they moved into in February of 2011.  Inspired by ecologically responsible gardens and design, as well as by their travels to places such as Paso Robles, Ojai Valley, Joshua Tree, and Catalina Island, not to mention hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains, Bryan interpreted their desires into painterly gestures of color and texture with desert appropriate plantings like Palo Verde trees, Mexican and Jerusalem sage, agave, and echeveria.  

To further their commitment to the environment, they installed rain barrels around the house, use a composter, and, in the spirit of recycling, planted those left-behind succulents in the backyard, where they are doing quite well.         

12807 Stanwood Drive

These Mar Vistans have lived in their house for 18 years, abiding with the tired front lawn and very basic landscaping they inherited.  For at least 10 years one member of the household (who shall remain nameless) has pleaded to tear out the turf and angular brick planters and install an environmentally friendly landscape with softer lines.  There was also a desire to expand the almost unusable (3' x 7') front porch.

The aforementioned highly motivated householder drew a sketch of what the front yard and porch could look like, with a 10' x 10' semi-circular seating area and two serpentine paths leading to the sidewalk and driveway including water features, sculptures, and low voltage lighting that would give the yard a more romantic ambience in the evening.

After interviewing three landscape architects, one stood out as being the most exciting to work with.   The landscaper installed a drip irrigation system that has really decreased this home’s water usage, as demonstrated by their lower bill.  They selected their favorite plants:  Stipa, Kangaroo Paws, fountain grasses, and a favorite tree Japanese Maple in several varieties.

Their landscaper had great ideas and vision for the garden while adding his expertise to create a cohesive design with a Zen flair.  He added to the original plan an Infinity shaped area to incorporate a unique 3-rock water feature and sculptural areas.  He also suggested another water feature that cascades a sheet of water out of the sitting wall of our front porch.

The homeowners can now sit in comfort on their outdoor lounge chairs and relax to the soothing sounds of the waterfall.  At the same time they enjoy the serene park-like landscaping while communing with neighbors walking by, making many new friends.

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12719 Stanwood Drive

When these Mar Vistans returned to their home after several years of renting it out, they decided it was time to do something about the dead lawn.  They decided to turn lemons into lemonade!

Two years later, voila!  This Do-it-Yourself front yard was created with minimum project construction cost, and low water usage and maintenance.  Mostly local succulent and native California plants were utilized. Drip irrigation and a limited sprinkler system were installed by the homeowner. The brick hardscape, including the front porch, stairs, pathway and planter borders as well as the fence and railing are all designed and constructed as DYI projects by the homeowner.

The persistence and patience of this committed homeowner goes beyond what is visible in the front yard.  Water conservation measures extend to daily use practices, such as capturing the first flow of cold water before the water turns hot.  

13036 Warren Avenue

This amazing Do-it-yourself project started in August 2011.  The existing turf was removed and replaced with dymondia, other  drought tolerant plants and an attractive mulch of  bark.

The gravel path was installed using stabilized granite and peach pea gravel, resulting in a pleasing, easy to navigate, surface.

All work done by homeowner with the exception of the most laborious aspects of turf removal.  Thank goodness for gardeners!  There is no sprinkler system in use.  Currently watered by hand. The garden was a very satisfying project that took a couple of months to complete.The ongoing maintenance is fairly simple.  Occasional weeding and the  addition of new plantings when the situation calls for it. 

3717 Ocean View Boulevard

This garden is a wonderful place with several surprises to be discovered.

Nearly two years ago the homeowners were inspired to take on the time consuming but exciting and rewarding endeavor of demolishing their entire landscape to design and create an eco-friendly yard. The result is a peaceful place where family, friends and neighbors come to relax and enjoy time together in a unique environment.

The new garden fits into their lifestyle because it is low maintenance and water wise. They removed the entire sprinkler system and manually water approximately three times a year.

The back yard is a desert oasis. A three level California native cacti and succulent area frames the backyard; it includes a tranquil Zen rock garden. Palm trees bordering edges of the saltwater swimming pool lend a tropical feel. A spacious entertainment area provides a place for BBQs and fun filled days and nights.

The lavender with its abundant fragrance is among their favorite plants. Herbs and avocados are used in delicious recipes. Lemons, limes and Aloe vera serve many purposes, providing natural healing remedies and astringents.

There have been many remarkable changes since they started the garden. Once the plants were established, they seem to have mind of their own. The various plants freely grow in any direction—sharing space, intertwining throughout. When evening breeze sweeps down, the fragrances of rosemary, lavender and sage linger throughout the neighborhood.

3523 Military Avenue

Wanting to replace a shabby lawn, these homeowners started a garden makeover three years ago. They wanted something pretty that didn’t require a lot of work.

Raul Castillo of Eco-nomical Landscape designed and installed the new drought-tolerant garden. The owners are very happy they made this change! They enjoy the variety of different plant sizes, shapes and colors. It is a pleasure to sit outside on the bench and enjoy the garden; they feel like they’re in the country rather than in the city. Hummingbirds, butterflies and bees are now frequent visitors.

The owner’s do their own maintenance, pruning and weeding from time to time, and have added a few plants since completion of the initial landscaping. They water with a hose two or three times a week in the summer, less often in the winter.

3305 Cabrillo Boulevard

The goal was to update 1950s traditional landscaping to a low-water design, but one that would be varied, colorful, and casual -- an inviting and informal entrance to this classic Mar Vista home.  The homeowner asked for a design that would evolve seasonally as different plants bloom, retaining the joy of encountering signs of nature in action from week to week throughout the year.  They wanted to share a look that would encourage passers-by to pause and enjoy.  

The yard was converted to drip irrigation used only to establish new plants and then only rarely, as in the case of extended very dry conditions.  Regular maintenance is minimal, mainly to sweep the walks and porch and remove spent flowers.  Dropped leaves from deciduous trees become part of the mulch so no blower is used.  The designer/contractor, ECO Landscape,  will attend to answer questions.

Before

3604 Moore Street

This home is a great example of how the “green spirit” can take over, and lead you, step by step, toward a more sustainable landscape.

It started with the grass sidewalk on Moore Street. Several years ago the homeowner replaced it with African Daisies, a ground cover that requires very little water and spread like a weed, but had oodles of eye-appeal.

On the Marco Place sidewalk area the city never extended the pavement, so last year this ambitious do-it-yourselfer cleared the grass and weeds and laid down decomposed granite for the sidewalk part and California Gold rocks around the plants California natives with minimal water requirements were selected as plantings.

The backyard is a work in progress right now with fruit trees and vegetables. There are oranges, plums, kumquat, apricots, nectarines and peach. There are also Concord grape vine, blackberries, and raspberries. Some strawberries, and also a planter box for herbs. In the spring homegrown vegetables (tomatoes, green beans, red beets, zucchini, etc.) round out the edible bounty.

This Mar Vista resident has always been a city dweller, which has influenced their gardening style, a default system.  Whatever survives gets to stay.   Whatever dies gets replaced.  It may seem like a heartless system, but it works!

Historic Fire Station 62 - 3631 Centinela Avenue

Special thanks to Agnes Anderson for creating the picture of our vision!

How cool will it be when the Old Fire Station looks like this? Stop by the day of the tour to find out how you can help make it happen!

Our dream is to convert the old fire station into a much needed community center for Mar Vistans and the Fire Station 62 Ad Hoc Committee will be on hand to tell us how we can help.

When new Fire Station 62 was completed on Venice Blvd., Old FS 62 was decommissioned because it was too small for modern fire apparatus at only 4,000 square feet. While vacant, the building has been the target of squatters and graffiti vandals. Please visit the day of the tour to see the planned transformation and find out how you can help!