October 6

Encampment Fire & NextDoor post: “I’ve lived here since 2017 and know woodwork…we could build some awesome planters with the help of neighbors if anyone wanted to come together to re-create this nook” = 198 comments in support

October 10 & 11

We got to work: 22 neighbors came out or sent money to pay for supplies.129 neighbors offered signatures of support. In one weekend we transformed a high foot & car traffic median – without obstructing the walkway. Fave moment: 2 firetrucks drove by honking with all thumbs up on Sunday 🙂

October 20

10 days later, the median was cited and we began the “adopt-a-median” application to make this a permanent addition. I have committed to the watering and upkeep. Council Member Bonin has written a letter of support, and the Venice Neighborhood Council will hear the agenda item 12/15/20

Day 1: October 10

First things first: we made cookies & lemonade for anyone that comes out to lend a hand.

Then we took a measuring tape to the triangle median. Elvina, Rebecca, Marissa & Danny drove to Home Depot while Siobhan and Andrew hosed down, hard bristle brushed and discarded ash into a garbage bag.

At home depot, Rebecca did the math that we would need 24 boards that are 2x12x10. Elvina & Danny loaded the cart, tried to ask the manager for a discount for a neighborhood project, and paid $608.09. Marissa and Danny ratcheted the wood down and we drove back to our property.

Rose & Danny started to build the planters while I greeted neighbors who brought succulents, dirt, cash, shovels, 3 corner planters, 2x4x8 lumber for the feet of the planters, and a truck for dirt pickup.

Big thanks to Bonnie & Jericho who rode their bikes to a neighbor’s (Jen) house to saw off agave in 4 trips. Also to Oz & Tiffany for the plants, David & Jeff for the planters, Brennan huge thanks for letting us fill your truck bed with all that dirt. And everyone else who stopped by!

We finished building the 8 planters at 8pm! We were down 1 board so Rebecca is pictured holding it out the back of the Prius. We waterproofed them to dry overnight.

Day 2: October 11

After we ate our Wheaties we grabbed the shovels, a neighbor’s truck and shoveled a LOT of dirt.

Alex & Cameron walked the planters onto the median – waterproofed with drain holes.

Neighbors came over to help shovel dirt, plant and water the final product!

Dai and Elvina took Brennan’s truck to a neighbor’s yard and they excavated a palm! It took over an hour but we got a centerpiece out of it.

The final bushes were planted as the sun set. We swept and went out for burgers.

Next Steps…

We are working on approval for our application. Stay in touch here for updates!

Message Elvina

Plant Types

All of the plants are easy to care for but bright in color; succulents and agave.

Measurements

The planters are arranged in a sun rays design on the pocket of the median, off of the public walkway and at a height not obstructing car’s view.