- Author: Dohee Kim
As part of Cooperative Extension's East LA Initiative--a series of workshops designed to improve the health and quality of life for local residents--staff conducted a workshop on container gardening and led residents on a tree walk to explore and learn about the beautiful trees that line their community streets.
Everyone knows that food is expensive these days, not to mention the high price of fuel to get one to the grocery store. So, it is no wonder why many people are growing their own food at home.
In order to encourage this grow-your-own-food experience in East LA, where space is limited for many, staff held a hands-on workshop to teach residents the basics of container gardening. The focus was on how to start growing their own food and to demonstrate how gardening in a container is a good place to start. Participants got their hands in the dirt and took home starter plants they potted themselves.
Yvonne Savio, Common Ground Garden Program manager, discussed selection of pots and containers, soil quality, care and watering tips, and plant varieties. At the end of the workshop, many participants were inspired to go home and start a mini garden in their balconies or backyards.
Once the gardening activity was completed, the residents went on a tree walk with Don Hodel, Cooperative Extension's environmental horticulturist. The walk provided an opportunity for many to appreciate and learn about the trees in their community. Hodel offered information on the history, identification and care of the street trees. Hodel also shared some interesting facts about each tree and explained ways residents can contribute to the caring of their community trees.
For information about our gardening and horticulture programs, please visit Cooperative Extension's website.