Coastal Garden
A garden featuring salt-tolerant plants with a windswept, nautical vibe that captures the essence of seaside living. Coastal gardens embrace the unique environmental challenges of oceanfront settings, incorporating resilient plantings, natural materials, and design elements that celebrate maritime influences while withstanding salt spray, strong winds, and sandy soils.
Key Features
Salt-Tolerant Plantings
Species specially adapted to thrive in coastal conditions, including ornamental grasses, succulents, and native shoreline plants that can withstand salt spray and wind.
Windbreak Elements
Strategic placement of structures, screens, or hardy shrubs that provide shelter from prevailing winds while maintaining views and coastal character.
Natural Materials
Incorporation of beach-found elements like driftwood, shells, smooth stones, and weathered timber that enhance the authentic coastal atmosphere.
Gravel and Sand Mulch
Free-draining surface materials that mimic beach environments, prevent moisture loss, and complement the coastal palette of blues, grays, and sandy tones.
Raised Planting Areas
Elevated beds with well-draining soil that protect plants from salt water intrusion and provide better growing conditions in sandy coastal environments.
Relaxed Layout
Informal, flowing design that echoes the natural contours of coastlines, with curved pathways, undulating plantings, and open areas that welcome sea breezes.
Design Variations
Mediterranean Coastal Garden
Inspired by seaside gardens of southern Europe with drought-tolerant herbs, olive trees, lavender, and terracotta elements creating a sun-drenched coastal retreat.
Pacific Northwest Shoreline
Featuring native coastal evergreens, ferns, and flowering perennials adapted to the cooler, moister conditions of temperate coastal regions.
Tropical Beachfront Garden
Combines salt-tolerant palms, colorful flowering shrubs, and architectural plants to create a lush, exotic coastal environment in warmer climates.
Coastal Cottage Garden
Merges the informal abundance of cottage gardening with coastal-adapted plants, creating a charming, flower-filled garden with maritime character.