Ocean Friendly Gardens

a natural solution for stormwater pollution

Surfrider’s Ocean Friendly Gardens (OFG) program offers simple and beautiful nature-based solutions to protect clean water and support resilient coasts and communities. OFGs restore the natural functions of healthy watersheds by contouring landscapes for rainwater retention, directing water back into the ground instead of storm drains. The extensive root systems of native plants help naturally filter pollutants and sponge up extra water while restoring biodiversity to our urban landscapes.

OFGs can be anywhere, whether you live inland or at the beach. Any yard, park, or community green space can help protect clean water by using the watershed approach to reduce pollution that harms our waterways and coasts.

OFGs work as green infrastructure to better prepare our communities for storm events, reducing local flooding and preventing runoff from overwhelming storm drain and sewer systems. Rainwater is directed back into the soil to naturally filter pollutants and recharge groundwater supplies.

Plants: support wildlife & resilient habitat

Native plants cover at least 50% of garden or yard
Turf grass kept to a minimum in appropriate climates and maintained sustainably
All plants are climate-appropriate (rainfall keeps them healthy when established) or edible
No invasive plants

Healthy, Living Soil: sponge up water & filter pollutants

No use of pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides
No commercial fertilizers. Compost, worm castings, or homemade organic solutions are applied if fertilizer is needed
No landscape fabric (weed cloth) or artificial turf
Natural mulch used as needed around plants to conserve water, rebuild soil health, and suppress weeds

Water & Irrigation: conserve water & avoid wasteful runoff

Hand watering or high-efficiency irrigation system (drip, rotator sprinkler)
Automatic irrigation controller (if present) has a rain shut-off device

Redirect & Soak Up Rain: prevent runoff & stormwater pollution

Simple contours such as bio-swales, dry creeks, and basins are used to maximize rainwater retention and prevent runoff
Rainwater from the roof is directed to landscaping, a permeable area or into rain barrels and cisterns that overflow onto permeable areas
Existing walkways and patios direct rainwater runoff to landscaping where possible
Pavers with gaps or permeable materials used for new hardscapes