It’s not a secret that South Central has a bad rap. Street crime and urban decay might be synonymous with the region for some folks, but for many others, it’s home. The fact that is home to 
hundreds of thousands, is proof that beauty to be found. On the outside, South Central has some of the most interesting, historic, and beautiful rows of Victorian and craftsman homes. And for the last year, it has also has also had the Raymond Avenue Neighborhood Garden.
Started by Julie Burleigh, this garden is a little over a year old. Just off a busy intersection, this community garden is nestled in between historic homes, adding an amazing amount of vibrancy and greenery all to often grey-blue pallet of South L.A. In sharp contrast to the cold cement and urban noise, the soft garden literally hums with noise. Birds dart in and out. Bees and bugs buzz and scurry around. Plants rustle in the wind. It really makes you pause to remember that nature happens whenever and wherever we allow it access to soil, sun, and water. Those three magic ingredients.
I was struck by the juxtaposition of community and urban life. The connection that occured at the excuse of this garden,
despite the wedges and walls of our modern city life, was incredible. Aside from the fruit, the vegetables and the plants, the garden had grown something else entirely, a sense of community. And this happened in a place prone to division and difficulty. It’s pretty exciting to see that connection is ready to flourish if only we can find the time and effort to clear away the debris in our lives and in our heads to see it to fruition.
I’m honored to work with Julie and the Raymond Avenue Garden on various composting and other projects. A year into production and they are already on a waiting list, and I must say, the garden looks beau-ti-ful.
Say it!