Truslow Community Garden spans two blocks along the end of Walnut and E. Truslow Ave. and is maintained by local residents and community members on a semi-daily to weekly basis. The three-to-four-foot curb strip presents a long-term solution to unsightly graffiti and dumping. The most prominent plant, in the garden is the Nopales Prickly Pear Cactus, whose arms can be gently removed, peeled, boiled and eaten with eggs. Fresh tomatoes and cilantro from the garden make an excellent accompaniment to this classic dish – a true celebration of Chicano culture.

Gardener Ignacio “Iggy” gladly provides a tour of the two blocks of waist-high plants nestled in fresh mulch. “There used to be garbage all along here,” Iggy says. He comments that graffiti removal has improved from a weekly to a monthly task since the garden now dominates the space. The City has allowed access to water, fresh mulch has been donated for $15 per truckload, and new plants are being propagated from the current ones making the garden a truly cost-effective solution.

Iggy describes how the community has contributed in many ways, as when the owner of the business behind the brick wall in the back of the garden lent Iggy two bulldozers to help bring in the fresh mulch. It’s early on a Saturday morning and a neighbor, still in his robe, emerges and they celebrate new corn plants that are peeking through the mulch. Down the street, Iggy points out rabbit droppings placed there by a neighbor to enrich the soil. She maintains a patch of grass for her pet rabbit to eat and gives manure back to the project.

In this vibrant community space, residents, homeowners, business owners and city employees are cooperating to take back the street with ownership and pride.

Support our advertisers click an ad below.