For homeowners living in a coastal landscape, it might seem difficult to plan and maintain a garden. With the salty air, strong winds and variable humidity, the conditions prove difficult for many popular plants. However, there are more options for coastal gardens than you might realize.
Whether you’re on the west coast, east coast or somewhere in between, these are some of the best plants to include in a seaside garden:
Hydrangea
While hydrangeas might seem delicate, they do very well in a coastal garden. Hydrangea plants are tolerant of sandy soil, and their woody stems are strong enough to withstand the ocean breeze. When planting hydrangeas in your coastal garden, choose a spot with partial shade where their foliage and flowers won’t burn.
Geranium
Geraniums are happy in almost any sunny spot, including coastal landscapes. Most varieties of geranium will thrive in full, seaside sun as long as the soil stays moist. Their foliage is striking on its own, but the bright red, pink and white blooms create beautiful pops of color in any yard or garden ensemble.
Lavender
Lavender is an extremely hardy plant and loves the sandy soil of coastal landscapes. You can grow impressive, fragrant bushes of lavender to complement the dunes and attract pollinators, even to coastal gardens.
Lavender is a drought tolerant plant, making it a low maintenance option for gardening in a warm and sunny coastal landscape.
Juniper
For year-round color and texture, incorporate an evergreen like juniper into your coastal landscape. Juniper shrubs come in many varieties, all of which are easy to care for in a coastal outdoor space among the salt spray and high winds.
Some varieties are low growing and creep along the soil for dense ground cover, while others can grow tall to create natural privacy and shield against the sea breeze.
For gardeners embracing the coastal lifestyle, these are only a few garden design ideas to try. Once you find the perfect combination of plants for your coastal landscape, you’ll be able to enjoy a seaside garden all your own.
About the Author
Carolyn Ross
Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment.
She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.
Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents. She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years.
This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.
