“Garden turns waste into artistic masterpieces”

In Los Angeles County, South Coast Botanic Garden has introduced an eye-catching exhibit this spring called Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea. The exhibit features 16 giant creatures made entirely out of beach debris, primarily of sea creatures. The initiative is undertaken by Washed Ashore – Art to Save the Sea, a non-profit organization and its volunteers who aim to inspire and bring about positive change in consumer behavior against plastic pollution through the medium of art and education. The Garden, which is situated on a sanitary landfill demonstrates that beautiful things can come even from wasteful pasts. With this exhibit, the Garden further explores this concept and educates visitors on ways to limit waste, particularly the use of plastic.

South Coast Botanic Garden is a public botanic garden spanning 87 acres that boasts over 200,000 plants and 2,000 species of plants from all around the world. The garden, situated on a sanitary landfill, was established in 1959 by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, in response to the wishes of the community. There are various specialty gardens at the location, including the Japanese Garden, Fuchsia Garden, Children’s Garden, and the James J. White Rose Garden, which covers an area of 2 acres. Further, a man-made lake located in the center of the garden is a habitat for several species of waterfowl, and the Garden serves as a stop or homesite for over 200 bird species during their traditional migration.