Funds Approved For Luther Burbank School Garden

The on Thursday approved a $1,500 grant to help establish a garden worthy of its namesake. 

The grant was awarded to Enrich L.A, a non-profit that has helped to build gardens at ten LAUSD schools--including Thomas Starr King Middle School in Silver Lake and Atwater Elementary School.

Tomas O'Grady, Enrich L.A.'s founder, said the funds would go toward cultivating the school's currently under construction garden Through Enrich L.A. typically rallies community members to help build gardens at schools, Luther Burbank's is being built through larger construction effort at the school.

"Starting in January, there's going to be a little bit of a garden at the school, and we're hoping to turn it into something more like a farm," O'Grady said.

O'Grady said a storage shed and an outdoor kitchen would be installed at the garden, which would be used for educational programming.

"It will mostly be for seventh grade science teachers to incorporate gardening activities and cooking activities into their curriculum," O'Grady said. 

He added that there will also be after school events, where students and parents would be welcomed to come to the garden and enjoy the fruits of their labor.

"We're not trying to save the world, we're just trying to show kids that you can eat with class and enjoy it. A little piece of toasted bread, with a little bit of olive oil, fresh mozzarella and some fresh basil from the garden--they can enjoy it and it's also good for them."

The council unanimously approved the motion, with member Trisha Gossett saying that it was about time that Luther Burbank--named after the renowned 19th Century botanist--had a garden of its own.

"I think it's a great idea for the students and the community," Gossett said. "The school is called Luther Burbank after all."