La Casita Verde, the Highland Park branch of the Mt. Washington Preschools and Child Care Centers (MWPCCC) housed in the historic Ziegler Estate, continues to undergo a substantial transformation of its gardens and outdoor play areas.
The renovation was originally inspired by a visit from the landscape designer of the U.S. Capital, Matthew Evans, who donated a garden design to La Casita. Additional implementation guidance was provided by neighborhood landscape designer Katharine Parra of Gung-Ho Garden Girls. Since then, La Casita has been implementing the Evans design in stages as funds and supplies are available. In 2012, a Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative (LANI) grant provided funding for the initial beautification, which included a new fragrant garden path and fairy reading circle. These installations were a true community achievement: made real by La Casita parents and staff, student and staff volunteers from Pasadena’s Polytechnic School (Poly), and other community members on Big Sunday 2012.
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On March 2nd 2013, Poly celebrated its annual 8th Grade Day of Service at La Casita Verde for the third year in a row. Under the supervision of teachers and parents Ann Nelson, Jennifer Foley, Malorie Wiebe, Marisa Viele, Katherine Pomeroy, Carlotta Lukens and others, the students did a great job of spring cleaning the facility and assisting with planting and weeding.
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Additional progress is being made every month as La Casita parents meet up for Gardening Parties led by landscape designer and La Casita parent Elisa Read. Recent generous donations of sod from Pacific Sod and S&S Seeds, along with an infusion of native and drought-resistant plants from Mountain States Wholesale Nursery, continue to renew and enrich the outdoor spaces. Assistance from irrigation expert Olegario De Los Santos has restored and improved the irrigation system.
Under the direction of MWPCCC’s Executive Director Darlene Cabrera, the garden will receive its final touches—including a living, blooming tunnel—during this year's Big Sunday event on Saturday, May 4th 2013. La Casita has submitted a formal application to this city-wide day of action and participation (www.bigsunday.org) and welcomes all interested volunteers with open arms. With continued hard work and community investment, this neighborhood landmark will be further renewed.
La Casita Verde Child Development Center at the Ziegler Estate
4601 N. Figueroa
Los Angeles, CA 90065
Mt. Washington Preschool and Child Care Centers, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
