The Los Angeles Basin will continue to experience drought and higher temperatures for the foreseeable future. In response, many people are removing water-intensive turf in favor of drought tolerant landscapes. In order to help provide inspiration for those thinking of making changes, The Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council Sustainability Committee will hold its first annual Sustainable Garden Tour on Sunday, June 26, 2016, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The event, which will also include educational seminars, will be free of charge and open to everyone.Â
The GWNC is currently soliciting nominations for gardens to be included on the tour. Self-nominations are acceptable. The gardens can be homeowner or professionally designed, and should meet the following criteria:
I.  Location
Within one of the 15 Greater Wilshire Neighborhood Council area neighborhoods: Brookside, Citrus Square, Country Club Heights, Fremont Place, Hancock Park, La Brea Hancock, Larchmont Village, Melrose, Oakwood-Maplewood-St. Andrews, Ridgewood-Wilton-St. Andrews Square, Sycamore Square, Western-Wilton, Wilshire Park, Windsor Square, and Windsor Village.
II.  Size and Location
Small and intimate or large. Â Front yard only, back yard only, or both.
 III.  Irrigation
Primarily drip irrigation.
IV.  Plants
Drought tolerant plant palette, using either California native plants or those from similar climates such as South Africa, Australia, or the Mediterranean. Garden turf not to exceed 50%. Use of mulch to retain moisture.
V.              (Optional) Water Capture:
Use of rain barrels, cisterns, bioswales, etc.
VI.           (Optional) Pollinator Plants:
Attracts birds, bees, and butterflies.
Nomination Procedure:
Nominate your yard, your neighbor’s yard, or a sustainable landscape in the Greater Wilshire area that you admire.
Send your application(s) to sustainability@
Be sure to include your:
- Name
- Address
- E-mail address
- Phone
- One paragraph narrative description
- 2-3 photos
For more information, contact sustainability@
