Ocean Beach and Point Loma residents have long endured problems of stormwater flooding, an eroding coastline and polluted beaches from rainwater runoff. But now they can learn firsthand how to mitigate those problems by attending Surfrider Foundation’s Garden Party event at the Ocean Beach Hotel on Thursday, June 28 from 5 to 8 p.m. “The event will be a beautiful evening of music, wine and appetizers, but more importantly we will be introducing local homeowners to our Ocean Friendly Gardens Program,” said Susan Krzywicki, program chairwoman. “Everyone always wants to know why Surfrider is involved in gardening,” she said. “Well, in nature, everything is connected. An ocean-friendly garden can help stop erosion, stop polluted runoff, save water (thereby lowering water bills), create native habitat for birds and butterflies, and is part of a comprehensive landscaping solution needed for the Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs area.”  The three-year-old program is meeting with a lot of success in coastal communities, which see it as an answer to cleaner beaches, better coastal preservation and lower water and energy use, according to Surfrider officials. The event will offer an opportunity for residents to get answers on how to make an impact on their community. “We are not talking about xeriscaping,” said Krzywicki. “We are talking about using lush, flowering plants, techniques to bank water in our soil and sustainable ways to improve our communities during times of drought or flood, which is what we deal with in Southern California.” Flamenco guitar by Dennis Bergstrom of B’Entertained will perform. The event is free and open to the public, but space is limited.  RSVPs are required by emailing [email protected]. For more information on the program, visit sandiego.surfrider.org/programs/ocean-friendly-gardens, or call San Diego County campaign coordinator Julia Chunn-Heer at (619) 246-8881 or [email protected].