Sixteen sculptures have washed ashore and made their way to the Garden for our latest exhibit!  These colorful works of art are made of ocean debris and highlight the importance of sustainability. Much like the Garden, which was built on a landfill, this exhibit shows that beautiful things can come from trashy beginnings and that it’s never too late to make a change. The sculptures are spread out over our 87 acres and are paired with important signage that provides tips on how we can all to better. Before you head to the Garden to experience this wonderful exhibit, we highly encourage you to read all of the information below, especially the tips and tricks for while you’re here in the Garden – these tips will truly change the experience, so read up!

Fun Facts About Washed Ashore

  • Washed Ashore is a nonprofit based in Oregon that has cleaned 300+ miles of beaches 
  • 95% of all debris collected is used in Washed Ashore’s artwork
  • Washed Ashore has created 60+ sculptures, only 16 of which will be on display at the Garden 
  • 38,000+ pounds of marine debris has been processed
  • 14,000+ hours have been contributed by volunteers 
  • 10,000+ volunteers have participated in Washed Ashore’s efforts

Know Before Your Visit

  • Washed Ashore is open during our normal operating hours – 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., daily
  • Washed Ashore is included with Garden Admission 
  • Climb aboard the Washed Ashore Adventure Tour and be entertained by Sage, defender of the Garden, or Blossom, best friend of the flowers, as they tell you more about the Garden and Washed Ashore. The Adventure Tour is a 45-minute add-on experience available Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m for an additional $29 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
  • An accessibility vehicle will still be available for those with limited mobility from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. Weekend accessibility rides will be available throughout the day and pick-up is across the way from the Desert Collection. Weekday accessibility rides are available upon request once you enter the Garden. Please note, the accessibility offer is a non-stop ride around the Garden’s Tram Road.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking if you plan to see every sculpture and prepare for all weather by layering clothing and packing an umbrella.

Tips and Tricks During Your Visit

  • To cut back on our waste, we are not printing Washed Ashore sculpture maps. Instead, there will be a large map at the start of the exhibit that you can take a photo of, or you can scan the QR code to see the map online
  • You will see QR codes throughout the exhibit that look like this:

    Make sure to scan these QR codes to learn more about how the Garden is making more sustainable choices.
  • If you brought a refillable water bottle along with you, we now have a water refill station available in our courtyard!
  • Each sculpture has a sign that provides a list of items the sculpture is made out of so you can find the items on the sculpture. It’s a fun game of hide and seek!
  • Kids items – think shovels, beach toys, etc . – are generally found lower on the sculpture for easy viewing.
  • The sculptures can be touched, but please don’t climb on them!
  • Greta the Great White Shark has a boat that guests CAN climb into for the perfect photo opp.
  • Get underneath the jellyfish and look up to be amazed at the detailed design of these beautiful sculptures.
  • Some serious thought went into these sculptures, from their names – Lidia the Seal got her name from being made up almost entirely of LIDS! – to how they were designed – Brody the Adélie Penguin’s feet are made up of shoe soles! See what other ties you can find, or take the Washed Ashore Adventure Tour and they will point some of these out as well. 
  • During your visit, make sure to grab a bite to eat at Dottie’s, the Garden’s concession station located near the Living Wall, which is open Saturdays and  Sundays from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Talk sustainability over a warm cup of coffee, a freshly pressed panini or a delicious flatbread.
  • Want to take home a memento? Be sure to stop by our kiosk in Palm Circle to pick up some Washed Ashore and Garden merch! 

Still need tickets to see Washed Ashore? You can purchase tickets here.