Expert Advice Designing A Coastal Garden
Coastal gardens exude a relaxed, laid-back vibe as they embrace a natural and organic design. A well-executed coastal garden tells of a beach not too far away and encourages you to kick your shoes off and settle in for a relaxing afternoon.
As we discover with Julia, there’s more to designing a coastal garden than adding some gravel paths and a few native shrubs.
It’s all in the lines
Getting your garden’s layout right is the first step to achieving the coastal style. Julia recommends your garden be made of gentle, organic curves which entice you to stroll through the garden.
Avoid harsh, formal lines and instead incorporate a natural flow that curves through your design.
Julia suggests locating open spaces within the garden, as well as intimate seating areas to enable you to explore and be immersed within the garden.
The right plants for your coastal look
The key to selecting plants for your coastal garden is to look for varieties that offer movement and texture, advises Julia.
Drought-tolerant, hardy plants are popular in coastal gardens and with a nod to their natural environment, the gardens are often left to grow organically, meaning they are low maintenance.
Rather than plant a few varieties here and a few there, Julia recommends you plant on mass to create a visual impact. Coastal grasses such as Poa labillardieri are ideal and will provide a great level of interest.
Playfully combine succulents and shrubs with strappy plants and architectural trees for focal points. Australian natives such as Westringia or Correa alba, will tie in perfectly with their dusty blues and muted hues.
Particular plants found in the coastal garden are:
Particular plants found in the coastal garden are:
Particular plants found in the coastal garden are:
Particular plants found in the coastal garden are:
Particular plants found in the coastal garden are:
By incorporating all these elements in your design, Julia says you’ll be able to create your own coastal retreat. Remember to select suitable plant varieties for your garden’s conditions and organic materials that reinforce the style. This way you’ll be able to spend more time chilling out in your garden and less time maintaining the look. Julia adds a well-designed coastal garden will weather and age naturally over time, enhancing the garden’s overall look and atmosphere.
For more design inspiration, visit Sticks and Stones Landscape Design.
