About Us

Our History (So Far)

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As you well know, we live in an incredibly anxious and polarizing time. At Our Neighborhood Community Garden (ONCG), we believe that despite our differences, two things are certain: (1) we are all united by our shared humanity, and (2) love is the answer to all of the division and fear. 

With these principles in mind, some folks began to dream about what a safe space for people of all backgrounds might look like. They met for breakfast weekly for two years while exploring questions such as, "What does love and healing look like in real life?" and, "What kind of environment would bring people together while also fostering love and human flourishing?" They thought about a coffee shop (too much $$), and a diner (same), but finally determined that a garden - where healing, connection, and beauty are literally built right into the soil - would be a perfect setting for love to "take root."

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Once they agreed on the idea of a garden, the hard work really began. There was no budget for land (or, honestly, much of anything else), and there were lots of frustrations in the pursuit of a location for this garden. But after months of dead-ends, a family connection opened the door to a small church in Tarzana that offered the use of space at the back of their property. It was unused and overgrown and needed lots of love (see the photos above, and here), but they had a vision and set to work on getting it in shape. A year later, 'Our Neighborhood Community Garden' had its very first event and was off and running. 

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While ONCG is independent of and unaffiliated with Nousazan Church, we are super grateful for their generous spirit and their willingness to take a chance on a dream birthed over pancakes and omelettes.

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The Future Is Bright!

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In line with the dream to cultivate beauty and healing, future plans include not only expanding everything that is currently taking place at the garden, but also adding:​

• More gardening classes taught by UC Master Gardeners

• Life skills, special interest, and therapeutic classes, recovery groups, art, and more healing-type classes and programs

• Community events such as "Movie Nights in the Garden", "Breakfast in the Garden", "Yoga in the Garden", opportunities for children to grow their own tomato and other plants, and more

• ADA-compliant / wheelchair accessible garden boxes and paths for our special-abilities neighbors

• A "Little Free Library" and a "Little Free Pantry"

• Specific garden beds dedicated to raising vegetables for local food banks

• An indoor space for your meetings

• Guided labyrinth walks

• Guided meditation workshops

• A Peace Pole

• An herb garden and expanded compost area

• More fruit trees

• A Barn owl nesting box

• More art and beauty throughout the garden

• And many, many opportunities to feel loved and appreciated for just being you!

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