The interest in having community gardens continues to increase throughout the country and local NoHo residents are no different.
Our North Hollywood high community garden has been a great success and many folks want to add more community gardens in NoHo. Community gardens create opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy, education and social interaction. Today, we spoke with John Kieffer, a long time NoHo resident and the organizer of the proposed NoHo Arts District community garden.
Tell us about the proposed community garden
John: We are proposing to MTA that we use the MTA right of way land parallel to Chandler Blvd...west of Vineland Avenue and east of Lankershim. or Fair Avenue for a community garden.
The NoHo Arts District community garden will have individual garden plots and will be available year round to the gardeners. You will be able to produce nutritious food at a fraction of what you would pay at a market. Growing your own vegetables, fruits and flowers with other experienced gardeners really helps “newbies." The garden in intergenerational. Next to East Valley High, students can work with senior citizens who are many times experienced farmers.
How will this garden be developed....funding?
John: There is a $100,000 Universal Studios grant for beautification available to the NoHo arts district. Estimates up to $30.000 are budgeted for the initial costs of a DWP meter and valve plus irrigation and design. Each gardener pays an annual fee to cover the water bill and other maintenance costs. The Hayvenhurst garden in the Sepulveda Basin has plots available at $120 year - only 10 dollars a month.
How do people participate in getting the community garden started?
John: Common Ground organization that is willing to help us get started but we need volunteers for different committees. Since MTA wants to make the proposed garden site a parking lot, we need the community's help NOW.
Please contact John for details on how you can get involved.
John R, Kieffer
818 506 4985
jkieffer818@yahoo.com