Transforming Asphalt to Nature: Support London Street Garden

Hi everyone!

I'm writing on behalf of Friends of London Street, a few neighbors in the Silver Lake Marathon area (Silver Lake, Los Angeles, CA), who have been diligently working to bring the London Street Garden Project to fruition.

Some of you in the Silver Lake Marathon community may have participated in a survey regarding this project - thank you so much to those who responded! Your feedback helped shape this project and helped us secure a few grants.

We would greatly appreciate your support in securing the additional funds needed to fully finance the project.

A bit about the project:

The London Street Garden aims to transform an asphalt-covered heat island into a vibrant green space for the local community to enjoy. Key features of the garden will include native plants, a central berm topped with an oak tree, educational placards, and an irrigation system to ensure the garden thrives for years to come.

To prepare for this project, the existing asphalt and underlying concrete will be removed, along with the degraded curbs, to regrade the area and enhance the native soil. A new curb will be installed around the garden in place of the old, damaged one. Planting will focus on native species, including some with cultural significance, such as native herbs, Toyon, and Lemonadeberry. The garden will also feature a section called "pollinator island," dedicated entirely to pollinator-friendly plants like native sages. A compact berm will be covered in native no-mow fescue grass and topped with an oak tree, contributing to a healthier urban canopy in the neighborhood. These native plants will support local ecosystems while enhancing the community's aesthetic appeal.

The project has demonstrated strong financial backing, with $8,000 in grants from Council Member Hugo de Soto Martinez’s office, OCB’s Beautify LA grant, and a Nextdoor Kind Foundation Microgrant. Friends of London Street, a group of neighbors from the Silver Lake Marathon area, is actively pursuing additional grants and fundraising to fully finance the project.

The project plans have gone through the review and approval with the Bureau of Engineering and Bureau of Streets Services’s Engineering Division, Urban Forestry Division, and Street Renewal Division.

The hope is this garden will foster community unity by providing a space for residents to appreciate native plants, local wildlife, and the broader ecological functions, such as water retention. This garden will serve as a peaceful retreat for neighborhood walks, promoting relaxation and enhancing overall wellness. The significance of urban green spaces and their positive impact on mental health was particularly highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this garden will undoubtedly contribute to the well-being of current and future community members.

Thank you in advance for any of your support!

Mariah Jeffries & Friends of London Street

See our plan here: