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Lay of the Landscape: Coastal Garden Style
Seaside gardens can be the ultimate in soothing landscapes if you know how to work with the elements and choose the right plants
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most of my projects are garden-based, you might also find be writing about home projects and classical music. Away from the computer, I'm found in the garden (naturally), on my bike, or ice-skating outdoors (yes, that is possible in California). I'm also willing to taste-test anything that's chocolate.
Houzz Contributor. I'm a California-based writer and editor. While most... More »
Gardening by the sea is not for sissies. Even the best day at the seaside will bring noticeable breezes and salt spray. When the weather is stormy, there’s the added dimension of strong winds, even stronger salt spray and pelting storms. To add to this, at least right on the sea’s edge, the soil itself is probably sandy, salty or both.
Despite the difficult conditions, coastal gardens are by and large serene and lovely — places where you can relax and enjoy what nature brings. As a gardener, you simply need to make some adjustments to work with what nature will throw at you. This may mean choosing a rugosa rose over a hybrid tea or using ice plants as a ground cover rather than Kentucky bluegrass. Your plants will most likely be low and scattered rather than tall and densely packed; your trees’ trunks may be somewhat twisted rather than ramrod straight.
Of course, you needn’t live at the seaside to have a garden that is reminiscent of the coast. By following the general guidelines for coastal plantings and choosing plants that will mimic the look of an ocean garden and still thrive in your climate zone, you can create your own little seaside paradise, even in Kansas. These ideas will get you started.
Despite the difficult conditions, coastal gardens are by and large serene and lovely — places where you can relax and enjoy what nature brings. As a gardener, you simply need to make some adjustments to work with what nature will throw at you. This may mean choosing a rugosa rose over a hybrid tea or using ice plants as a ground cover rather than Kentucky bluegrass. Your plants will most likely be low and scattered rather than tall and densely packed; your trees’ trunks may be somewhat twisted rather than ramrod straight.
Of course, you needn’t live at the seaside to have a garden that is reminiscent of the coast. By following the general guidelines for coastal plantings and choosing plants that will mimic the look of an ocean garden and still thrive in your climate zone, you can create your own little seaside paradise, even in Kansas. These ideas will get you started.
| Choose Your Style A coastal cottage garden is a natural choice in Nantucket, along the Gulf Coast, in Santa Cruz or on Puget Sound. Look for hardier perennials in traditional cottage garden colors, such as pinks, purples and blues, and mass them together for a charming effect, especially against the weathered gray often found on a coastal cottage. Gravel paths work equally well with cottage and coastal styles, and the lack of a traditional lawn is completely appropriate for the setting. |
Modern or contemporary garden styles also work well with coastal style. The clean lines and minimalistic approach to plantings pair nicely with the often sparse vegetation to be found at the shore. Here the colors of the house and concrete blend with the dunes beyond just as the purposely planted trees match the colors of the native specimens.
| Another option is to design a natural landscape that will blend in with the surrounding space. This works exceptionally well when your land overlooks an open space or the ocean itself. The edge of this property, for instance, blurs into the space beyond. |
Work With the Elements
Constant wind affects tree growth, as seen in the twisted trunks of this Monterey cypress. When deciding on trees for your space, look for specimens that can take these conditions. A local nursery can help you find the best choices for your location.
Constant wind affects tree growth, as seen in the twisted trunks of this Monterey cypress. When deciding on trees for your space, look for specimens that can take these conditions. A local nursery can help you find the best choices for your location.
| The loose, sandy soil of the seaside allows for great drainage, but it also means that nutrients are quickly lost. In nature, this can mean plants that are widely spaced rather than densely packed. But a spare look doesn't have to mean monotone, especially when you're in charge of the space. In this garden, purple ice plants lining the path to the sea's edge lead your eye to the sitting area and invite you to explore. The entire space resembles the natural bluffs beyond, with just a bit more planning and control than nature usually provides. |
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| However, if spare isn't really your style, you still have options. This coastal planting bed is filled with color, both from the perennials and the grasses. It's also filled with plants. The overall look is a blend of cottage and traditional, a nice mix for a home garden and certainly up to handling coastal weather. |
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| Meadowlike grasses rather than a close-clipped lawn are another option when you want a more contemporary look. The soft waves mimic the look of the sea in your own yard. As a bonus, you get the feel of a lawn with minimal lawn maintenance. |
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| In warmer climates try using succulents to fill the space. They're often adapted to saltier soils, and they're rugged enough to handle the winds and the spray. |
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| Make Sure Your Hardscape Fits In A wooden boardwalk is a natural option for a natural or cottage coastal garden. In a just-planted garden, it will serve as a foil to the plants ... |
| ... and as the wood weathers, its soft gray tones blend with the sea beyond. |
| Gravel, whether used as a path or a patio, helps tie in a garden with the landscape around it. This entry patio looks right at home, as would a patio of decomposed granite; a formal brick patio would look out of place. |
Add the Finishing Touches
An Adirondack chair is the classic beach accessory, at home on either coast. Weathered gray is the traditional look, but you can also find them in bright colors and easy-care plastics.
An Adirondack chair is the classic beach accessory, at home on either coast. Weathered gray is the traditional look, but you can also find them in bright colors and easy-care plastics.
A bench set in the middle of a sea of shrubs and grasses is the perfect getaway for relaxing. Again, the weathered gray look blends in with the soft colors around it.
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| Subtle is good, but bold isn't out of place. Though these colors are often thought of as tropical, the orange of the cushions does reflect the shade on the Golden Gate Bridge in the distance — and is a bright spot in a foggy Northern California location. |
| Don't Forget Comfort Ocean breezes can be strong, and the temperature can be cool, especially at night or when it's foggy. A windbreak and a fire pit are two additions you'll use often. |
| There's no doubt that there are fire elements in this garden. These fire features are a good way to enjoy the flames while keeping them under control and keeping the area warm well into the night. |
Whether you're by the sea or in the Midwest, an enclosed patio like this one captures the ocean vibe. It starts with the wood deck, a classic seaside feature, then includes all the other necessary elements. The walls block the wind, the plantings are beach inspired, and the colors can't be beat.
Throw in Some Extras
If you're by the beach, an outdoor shower is a welcome addition. The paving makes it easy to keep the area beneath it clean and mud free, and you'll certainly track less sand into the house.
If you're by the beach, an outdoor shower is a welcome addition. The paving makes it easy to keep the area beneath it clean and mud free, and you'll certainly track less sand into the house.
by Joel Snayd
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Even better, a washer and dryer close to where you enter the house can quickly corral damp clothes. Adding a small changing area would make this spot even more efficient for transitioning from beach to interior.
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| Of course, if you have this view, this pool and this ocean, it may be time to forget landscaping and just relax. More: 5 Bright, Cheerful Coastal Garden Flowers 8 Ornamental Grasses for Coastal Gardens |
Comments
comfy by design I lived on the beach in Oregon for years and while gardening can be a challenge it is definately a reward. The beauty of wild grasses and ground cover can be stunning and there is no better place to try something new than on the coast. Thank you for sharing this article.
11 months ago · Like
nattb I am glad I found Houzz's website! But we live in South AZ about 5,000 ft high attitude, dry and wind, how to landscape? Any suggestion? Thank you!!!!!!!
11 months ago · Like
littlefoxden Hey it's Los Osos!
11 months ago · Like
Sara Parker Great photos and ideas! In our Bahamas, the weather is nearly always perfect, but the sea shore is still a difficult place to grow plants other than coconuts and sea grapes, sea oats and sea dasies.
11 months ago · Like
Monarch Stone International A beautiful collection of photos, felt like a mini vacation just now! Great subject too. Flagstone is popular for garden paving in these photos. There are other stone options that offer different colors - textures, available for those who want to break from the norm.
8 months ago · Like
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Ideabook published on June 11, 2012.
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