Calling All Green Thumbs!

Set against a backdrop of rolling hills and oak woodlands, Agoura Hills is a suburb of housing tracts and endless lawns. What to do with all that grass? One family decided to fill it with flowers, fruits and vegetables.

"There is so much grass in our area that just soaks up water, and we really don't get much use of it," said Jenn Lebowitz, who has lived in the Hillrise neighborhood for 13 years and serves on the Hillrise Open Space Association board. "We thought that planting a garden in our extra space would bring so much back to our community."

The community garden, which will be open for tours to the public Saturday at 5 p.m., uses a portion of the open space at the end of the Promontory Place cul-de-sac. Six raised beds measuring 4 feet by 8 feet have already been claimed by Hillrise families, said Lebowitz, and more might be added.

Wouldn't it be great if Lebowitz's idea for a community garden took root in other parts of our city? How about it, Agoura? Do you see any places around your neighborhood that would benefit from a garden of tomatoes and cucumbers? How about artichokes and peppers? Did somebody say salad bar block party?

Members of the Lebowitz family, who have been gardening together for years, recommend these vegetables to get you started, all of which can be planted in October: celery, broccoli, brussel sprouts, asparagus, onions, lettuce and artichokes. 

To help you brush up on good growing habits, consider taking the Las Virgenes Municipal Water District's free "California Friendly" gardening class on Nov. 3 and again on Nov. 10.