Wattles Farm started in 1975, is one of the oldest surviving community gardens in the City of Los Angeles. It was among the first gardens that started under then Los Angeles Mayor Tom Bradley’s initiative to use public lands for community gardening. The initiative had been inspired by the victory gardens of World War I and World War II.
Wattles Farm History
The garden is part of Wattles Park (Mansion & Gardens), a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument. There are avocado trees and eucalyptus trees on site that are over 100 years old. Wattles Farm is home to a community of immigrants from the former Soviet Union, mainly the Ukraine and Georgia, who make up the majority of the garden’s current members. These members greatly influence the culture of the garden and what is grown there (tomatoes, cucumbers, and dill in the summer, beets, and greens in the winter).
Community Garden Details
Wattles Farm is a cool little spot covering 4.2 acres. Right now, it has 172 garden plots that are about 15 by 15 feet each, and around 300 community members are keeping them up. There are two awesome fruit groves that everyone pitches in to take care of. The first one is the Herschel Gilbert Avocado Grove, which is about 1.43 acres and has over 150 avocado trees—how cool is that? It’s actually the only avocado grove of that size left in Los Angeles!
On the northern side, there’s a citrus grove that’s about 2,600 square feet. Plus, there’s an herb garden, a cactus garden, a memorial garden filled with different fruit trees, a grape arbor, and flowers, an experimental garden with heirloom veggies, and two small vineyards. They’ve also got a greenhouse, a bunch of tool sheds, and a picnic area. The whole garden is buzzing with life, and everything looks pretty great. Before 1975, this 4.2 acres was part of the avocado and fruit orchard for the 50-acre Wattles Park (Mansion and Gardens).
Wattles Farm during the early years
The Wattles Farm during the early years required a lot of work due to the neglect of the preceding years. The original gardeners cleared dense brush and weeds, tilled the soil, installed a planned plot area and irrigation system. They also resuscitated the many avocado trees on the site. Within a year, most of the preliminary work on the garden finished, and the first 30 plots created. The remaining elements of the Wattles Farm developed over the next 15 years.
Today at the farm
Today we have some 300 members in 172 plots within our community garden, a vibrant and nurturing space that not only fosters a sense of belonging but also encourages the sharing of knowledge and resources among gardeners of all skill levels. Each plot tells a story, as members cultivate a diverse array of plants, from heirloom vegetables to fragrant herbs, creating a colorful tapestry that reflects the uniqueness of our community.
Through collaborative workshops, seasonal celebrations, and regular volunteer days, we strengthen our connections with one another, transforming the garden into a hub of activity and friendship, where everyone can learn, grow, and celebrate the bounty of nature together.
Wattles Urban Farm Gallery
Community gardens play a vital role in fostering a sense of belonging and community spirit among local residents. These green spaces provide a platform for individuals to come together, share knowledge, and collaborate on gardening projects, ultimately strengthening social ties. In urban areas, where green spaces can be limited, community gardens serve as essential oases that not only beautify neighborhoods but also promote environmental awareness and stewardship.
Videos of Wattles Farm Community Garden
Location and Directions to Wattles Farm
- The garden is located on the south end of the Wattles Mansion Park.
- The main entrance to the Wattles Farm Community Garden is 1⁄4 block north of Hollywood Boulevard on North Curson Avenue. The gate is locked at all times.
- The garden is defined at its northern boundary by Wattles Mansion, at the west by North Curson Avenue, at the east by North Sierra Bonita Avenue, and at the south by Hollywood Boulevard.
Address for Wattles Farm
1714 N Curson Ave
Los Angeles, CA 90046
Article Links
- Official Wattles Garden Site
- Application for membership to Wattles Farm
- Wattles Farm Facebook page
- Los Angeles Community Garden Council
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