Ocean Friendly Gardens in the news...

First off, thanks to everyone that made it out to the Surfrider Foundation Ocean Friendly Gardens 'Basics' workshop last week in Encinitas. It was a great class with a nice mix of attendees. If you missed the basics portion of this three-part workshop there is still an opportunity to attend the 'Hands On Workshop' in September and 'Garden Assistance Program' in October, both in Encinitas.

The 'poster-child-garden' from the first OFG series this spring was just featured in the La Jolla Light...

"Surfrider also hopes to teach homeowners about pollution prevention from lawn pesticides and other items entering the ocean. "It's (workshops) for people concerned about ocean pollution and what they can do about it at home. I think it adds a lot of value to the home, and it makes your yard almost maintenance-free," Geever said."

Click Here for the fully story.

Yoga Class to Benefit Surfrider

Join us a week from Saturday after your morning session for some yoga bliss in Encinitas!

Encinitas Chiropractic is hosting an outdoor yoga class on Saturday the 28th at Cottonwood Creek Park in Encinitas. The class is donation only and all proceeds will benefit The Surfrider Foundation!!

The best part about the location is that after the class you can check out the restored Cottonwood Creek that runs through the park, admire the native and drought tolerant plants and check out a working example of biofiltration (where plants and soils filter pollutants from water). This is exactly the purpose of an OFG! Retain as much water as possible on site and filter any water through biofiltration before it leaves the property.

(the second best part is that you are only a short walk from Moonlight beach and downtown Encinitas so you can either head straight to the beach or cruise into town for brunch!!)

What: all levels yoga class

When: Saturday August 28th from 9:30am -10:30am

Where: Cottonwood Creek Park, 95 North Vulcan Ave, Encinitas

OFG in Encinitas

So nothing could be cooler than arriving at the Olivenhain Water Expo after talking about native and sustainable gardens all day and finding a GORGEOUS native OFG across the street!!

Not only were we stoked to see this garden but the homeowners just happened to be in it and they've agreed to come to our next workshop series to share their experiences in taking out their lawn and converting to a native landscape!

This garden was like a gem in a neighborhood full of dull turf front yards and it was full of beautiful flowers, cool stones, lighting and wildlife!

Here are a few photos of this fantastic garden which, we found out, was designed by Dave Buchanan, a native Californian and landscape designer who has been designing native landscapes since 1985!

(sorry the photos are a bit blurry, it was dusk :) If you would like to see the garden in person it is right across from the Village Creek HOA Recreation area in Encinitas but please do not disturb the homeowners...better yet, come meet them a week from Tuesday at the next OFG series!!)

Native Plant Sale

Interested in using native plants but not sure where to get them? Well look no further. The California Native Plant Society is hosting its' Annual Native Plant Sale on:

Saturday, October 16

11 AM – 3 PM

Balboa Park, San Diego

Casa del Prado Theater Courtyard

1700 Village Place

There will be native shrubs, trees, flowering plants, seeds, books and posters available for purchase. More importantly, the event is held by friendly, knowledgeable local experts who can answer any questions you may have.

For more information about this event or the San Diego Chapter of the CNPS, click here.

Pictures from our Summer Series

We are super excited to show off some pictures from our first Ocean Friendly Garden in San Diego. Again, we give a big thanks to Steve for donating his yard to this program and to all the volunteers who showed up to work.

To see the step by step installation process click here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/surfridersandiego/sets/72157624255169186/

Olivenhain MWD Water Expo

We will have a booth this Thursday August 12 at the 2010 Water Expo at Village Creek Recreation area in Encinitas. Join us at this free event from 6-8pm as we help to educate homeowners and others about how the choices they make in their garden effect water quality in our watersheds and the ocean!!

Check out the flier for more information!