Inaugural OFG - Pacific Palisades, CA

Description

We wanted to replace our water-thirsty front lawn with vibrant California native and Mediterranean plants that would also eliminate the need for lawn mowers and machines, reduce pollution, and provide a habitat for bees and birds,” said homeowner Laura Mack. “Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Gardens program made the process easy. As a bonus, the project qualified for a nice rebate under LADWP’s Turf Removal Program.”

After digging up their front lawn, sketching out a site plan, and securing plants and materials -- all with guidance from Surfrider -- we invited friends, family, and community members to participate in a Garden Assistance Party at their home, led by landscape professionals with Surfrider's West LA-Malibu Chapter. In less than six hours, participants transformed the site. They learned how to create berms and swales for visual interest and rainwater retention, planted more than 50 climate-friendly plants, and applied compost tea and mulch to build soil health, reduce watering needs, and retard weeds. (A new, 3,000 sq. ft. standing-seam, aluminum roof had been installed: no gutters, but all the water drains into the landscaping.)

It’s astonishing how quickly the space was converted from blah to beautiful. Now we look forward to stepping out our front door each morning. And the bees are happy too! We are so appreciative to Surfrider and the Palisades community for their support!