LOS ANGELES — Turning to solutions upstream to help keep the ocean clean — that’s what the Surfrider Foundation’s Ocean Friendly Gardens program is all about that.

Ocean Friendly Gardens are full of native California plants and contouring or bioswales in the ground that help absorb rain and water and keep stormwater from spilling onto sidewalks, the streets, storm drains, and the ocean.

“We’re basically making kind of places for the water to slow down, spread out, and sink in,” said Ocean Friendly Gardens coordinator Kathryn Dressendorfer.

Marilyn Snell lives in Leimert Park and replaced her all-grass lawn with an Ocean Friendly Garden. She said her new yard does not require pesticides and fertilizers, which are some of the stuff that can be washed away following a storm and end up polluting the ocean. Her new yard also requires way less water and the native plants attract bees, butterflies and all kinds of critters.

Snell and her husband’s personal oasis is full of wonderful aromas, creatures and a place that makes her feel peaceful.

“It matters to try and go upstream of the pollution, rather than try to fix the bay when it’s polluted,” she said.

Snell will also be one of the homes featured in the upcoming Leimert Park Garden Tour on May 3. She said she’s proud to be the only home with all native plants and hopes to teach her neighbors about the benefits of her new yard to the environment.