There are a few predictable impacts of creating a garden authentic to the San Fernando Valley. Here is where the Sunland Welcome Nature Garden makes an impact for our community and in your life.

Save Water 

Saving water was one goal behind eliminating the expanses Fountain Grass that once filled the Sunland Welcome Nature Garden.  The vibrant, blooming Wildflower Annex now thrives with no supplemental water, while the lush, authentic garden receives very little supplemental water.

Reduce Operational Costs

We expect to save operational costs, including:

1. 100 percent of the annual flower budget
2. 100 percent of the toxic chemical fertilizer budget
3. 100 percent of the toxic chemical pesticide budget
4. 100 percent of soil amendment budget
5. 81 percent of the time spent on maintenance
6. 75 percent of the funds used for mower petrol
7. 60-90 percent of the water previously needed
8. 63 percent of fees associated with garden waste
9. 15-50 percent of the energy dedicated to climate control

Protect Our Cool… and More

Choosing authentic foliage, particularly the Bush Mallow, Lemonade Berry, Toyon and Oak Trees cool the air.  This not only makes for a more enjoyable outdoor space, it can actually help keep Sunland-Tujunga cool as a community too.

The removal of invasive and flammable Fountain Grass is expected to improve the resilience of our adjacent wildspaces, particularly post-fire, while the dry river allows water to percolate and escape without destabilizing the slope.

Support You

Public spaces impact home values and business sales. Here’s why:

• Beautiful park space increases nearby home values
• Tree canopies reduce neighborhood heat, attract consumers to business areas, and improve the value of nearby homes
• Young foliage appreciates in value as it grows

Support Wildlife and Biodiversity

Many native birds, bees, butterflies, and fauna will eat and live only on native foliage. The Sunland Welcome Nature Garden offers habitat, a good meal, and joy to our wild friends. The biodiversity of both flora and fauna further support LA’s overall resilience.

Provide an Example

While the drought increased California’s focus on saving water, we have needs and goals beyond simple water savings.  We want to protect our area from fires and slides, cool the air naturally where possible, and continually beautify our community.  We intend these gardens to serve as a model for reaching all of those goals with our garden choices.