After city officials touted the re-opening of the their East Side community garden last fall, the facility on Detroit and Lexington is apparently now in operation, with little fanfare marking its recent return.
In September, Manager Helen Collins of the Fields and Facilities Division predicted the garden would open by November or December, with some marked improvements to the site.
“We’ve decided to do it a little different this time,” Collins said. To address the poor quality of the dirt, the city will be building raised beds and bringing in mulch as ground cover. The garden should receive more sunlight with the building on the back lot no longer there to cast shade.”
Current photos show about 16 raised, oblong planters resembling aluminum water stock tanks placed evenly throughout the northwest corner of Lexington and Detroit. Only half of the planters appear to be in use growing tomatoes and other common vegetables. The lot is covered in recycled mulch and surrounded by a formidable fence.
Very little activity has been observed at the garden, with only one man seen working on the planters recently.
In September, Collins said the garden would remain a temporary project, only scheduled to operate between 18 and 24 months, and no other gardens are being planned at this time.
Residents interested in using the garden are encouraged to contact the city at (323) 848-6400 or visit weho.org.
Previously, the Detroit Garden held 33 plots which were rented out at $100 per year for three years maximum and granted via lottery. Plots were available only to those who lived or worked in WeHo.
Why is there enough room to build a house between these plots?
While some will be grateful for a small plot to till, it seems the city made a minimum effort in providing this unwelcoming desolate space. The delay in opening and lack of any hospitality is striking for this could have been accomplished in a day. The harsh aluminum containers could easily be enhanced by a few boxed trees or hedges easily utilized later, providing some sense of welcome. The adjacent ice berg rises straining against the fence sets a mood but nearly every structure proposed or built by the city West Hollywood exudes this harsh sense sensibility rather than welcome.
Boxed trees and/or hedges might block valuable sunlight for these plant boxes. Possibly making it more difficult to grow things in the garden.
That suggestion was made with knowledge of garden design and the type of results desired.
What a perfect spot for our beloved homeless to sleep in, and “fertilize” the plots of the lucky lottery winners. What a sad statement on the state of our City that a garden requires metal fences, with deadly spikes on them, to try to keep out undesirables. Who designed the deadly spikes? Was that you, Lindsey Horvath? Is that your way of showing the homeless you love them so much? Is there a way you could make the metal fence electric, to really keep them out, before the pointed spikes at the top do what they are designed to do?… Read more »
How utterly ridiculous.
Have to keep out animals, also.
So you want anyone and everyone to have access? I don’t think so. If I was lucky enough to have a box in there, I wouldn’t want outside people sleeping in the garden, stealing produce, possibly vandalizing plants and maybe even defecating or urinating on/in them. Possibly on live produce. And I think we all know that at least one of the things I listed would happen.
Randy, please come up with a sensible and productive comment. People re ting sites would undoubtedly be issued keys to the garden.
I am being sensible. Of course people who have a box would be issued keys. And if I had one, I would want deterrents (which are in place) to keep people from trespassing. The garden has authorized use only for those who win the lottery.
What is not productive about stating that?
Unfortunately you didn’t state that. The words were sarcastic and not useful.
It could be a lovely temporary venue.
I would never question the courage……of anyone who would eat anything from a WH community garden.
It’s probably much fresher…..and cleaner…..than the supermarket you go…..to.
I wish there were more spaces.
This one is about 1.5 miles and I could walk if not carrying anything.
I like the old rules with a 3-year maximum, as opposed to a temporary 18-24 month timeline and not limited to WeHo residents.
How do you water your plants? Hoses or a bucket?
Any other details available?