Re: “Culver High Students to Unveil Ocean Friendly Garden”
When Scott Houston, the newest water conservation official in the community, stepped to the microphone early this afternoon just outside of the Robert Frost Auditorium, he made a statement that placed him in precise alignment with every member of his audience.
“I am excited to share in my first ocean friendly garden with you,” said the West Basin Municipal Water District director. This was a maiden voyage for each of his listeners, too.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony next door to Culver City High School brought out students to be commended for their environmental commitments and imaginations, and one of Culver City’s most avid environmentalists, Mayor Meghan Sahli-Wells.
Two School Board members, Laura Chardiet and Sue Robins, also witnessed the historic moment.
In the presence of Principal Dr. Lisa Cooper, teacher Patricia Northington and students Evan Duma and Tyler McIntosh were saluted for their imagination and focused dedication to guarding the fragile environment, especially in this time of severe drought.
Officially on display for the first time today in the 2300-square foot sustainable garden were drought-tolerant plants the students carved into the ground four months ago.
Mr. Houston recognized the “participation and partnership of the students in Mrs. Northington’s class.”
Since Gov. Brown has called for a 25 percent reduction in water use, “these gardens will be more important than ever,” he said.
Noting the record drought, Mr. Houston said that “native and drought tolerant plants can exist around our normal rainfall.
“Once they are established, and it takes about a year, they do not need to be watered again.
“This program allows us to build demonstration gardens and hold free landscape classes to educate the community on how they, too, can build ocean friendly gardens.”
Mr. Houston said that 11 ocean friendly gardens have been built in his district with plans to build five more.
Drought awareness, he suggested, is on the march.
“By building a water-efficient garden, you can save up to 50 percent of your overall water use, and up to 80 percent of your household water use.”
Mr. Houston expressed the wish that when his audience goes home, “you will consider removing parts of your lawn to make a more water-efficient garden.”
Starting her final week as mayor, Mr. Sahli-Wells recalled that two or three years ago, in the company of Cathy Vargas, City Hall’s environmental coordinator, and “Paul, from the (partnering) Surfrider Foundation, were touring City Hall to see where we could put in ocean friendly gardens. That was our big dream, the big idea.”
The mayor said it was unfortunate the original plan did not click in. But, Ms. Sahli-Wells added with a gleaming smile, “we were able to suggest this site.
“I am incredibly happy. When we came here to tour, Paul immediately recognized that what you have here is a perfect water delivery system in the form of architecture,” she said while glancing at the Frost’s sloping roof.
“I am glad for the impact on the environment,” said Ms. Sahli-Wells, “but also for the educational opportunities that this provides, working with students, teaching them the new landscape paradigm that we all need to learn.”
