The Learning Garden, Dec. 30

Bugs on my broccoli

Flies in the fennel and aphids on the artichoke

They're everywhere!!

What does it mean? Is is something you did? Or something you didn't do?

Gardeners come nose to nose with insects sooner, and more often, than they'd like. Because insects are foreign to us of the modern world, we feel uneasy when we find them on our vegetables. But insects are a part of the world of nature and our gardens are but a window to that world.

How do we deal with them? Do we spray something? What sprays work? When do we apply them? How do we apply them? What are other ways of dealing with pests?

With more than fifty years of gardening experience, 10 of which at The Learning Garden at Venice High School, David King has come nose to nose with a number of critters. His 'post-modern' organic idea of insect and insect control is an easy way to get along with these critters and still grow lots of good food. He'll change your mind about pest control!

Rainwater Catchment and Harvesting, Dec. 23

Rainwater Catchment and Harvesting 

Newly-planted rain garden from
2012 Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase

Would you like to help the planet and reduce your water bill at the same time? How about also reducing toxic runoff, restoring our ground water, creating an emergency water supply and having cleaner, non-chlorinated water to use for your plants (and many other things)?  Plus reduce the energy, toxic chemicals, pollution and other environmental impacts of bringing our water from long distances?  

Wow! Who knew something as simple and inexpensive as collecting rain water and/or making a rain garden could do so much?  

Come find out why and how you can get started capturing and harvesting rainwater.  Local landscaper and ecologist Denise “Deni” Friese will be on-hand with more information about rain barrels, rain benches and the creation of rain gardens. 

Rain barrels make great “green” gifts for the person who has everything! Find out more at http://www.rainbarrelsintl.com/products.asp.

Denise "Deni" Friese, owner of Eco-Friendly Custom Landscapes and and ecologist since the 1970's, is a trainer for the LA County Master Gardener program and president of the Culver City/Westside Garden Club. She teaches  and consults on many aspects of landscaping and low-water irrigation.

Green Garden Showcase Info, Dec. 16

5th Annual Green Garden Showcase

This week's guest at the Green Tent is the MVCC Green Committee! We'll be there to tell you all about the 5th Annual Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase, scheduled for Saturday, April 20. 

Did you attend last year's Showcase or show your garden? Come share your stories and photos with others.

Are you thinking about entering your garden this year? Are you wondering "what is the Green Garden Showcase"? Would you like to get involved as a volunteer? Come learn

• What makes a garden "green"
• Things you can do to get your not-so-green garden ready for the Showcase
• How to enter your garden
• What to expect during the Showcase
• Volunteer opportunities
• HOW MUCH FUN IT IS

You'll also have an opportunity to see the Green Committee in action. Our monthly meeting starts at 9:30 at the Green Tent. We have several motions to consider.

The Mar Vista Green Garden Showcase is like a giant FREE block party. Last year nearly 100 gardens participated and there were over 2000 visitors. Many gardens had guest presenters: environment organization representatives, landscapers, solar consultants, even a Feng Shui advisor.

Solar Energy Expert, December 9

Which energy source do you want?

Home and business owners who choose solar solutions offset carbon dioxide emissions generated from traditional sources every single day. Generating safe, renewable electricity using the power of the sun helps combat global warming while reducing dependence on fossil fuels or nuclear energy.

You can make a difference! A typical solar power installation for a 3 bedroom, 4 person household will offset nearly 150,000 pounds of carbon during its first 20 years of operation. That’s the equivalent of saving over 10,000 gallons of gasoline. 

Come learn how easy it is for homes and businesses in Southern California to upgrade to solar power. Jeremy Stuart and a few friends visit the Green Tent this Sunday to answer questions and educate people on the current solar energy situation.  

Rebates. Tax Credits. Leases. Loans. There are many programs that make it easy and affordable for residential and commercial property owners to upgrade their buildings with solar electricity systems that 

• Save the owner a fortune in electric costs
• Create positive cash flow, locking down the cost of electricity without a large upfront cost
• Provide service, maintenance and peace of mind
• Positively impact the environment and the local economy

With strong local companies stepping up to assist in financing, obtaining rebates, installing, and all other aspects of the process, it's never been easier to go green. 

Jeremy Stuart is a local solar energy expert. He works directly with Solar Choice Solutions and American Solar Direct and also makes referrals to SolarCity.