Coastal Garden Style: Design Guide
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A coastal garden is designed to withstand the elements while maintaining a relaxed, natural beauty. Defined by wind-tolerant plants, gravel pathways, and weathered materials, it thrives in exposed conditions with minimal upkeep. Whether you live by the sea or want to bring a touch of the coast to your space, this guide will walk you through the key plants, materials, and design choices needed to create a cohesive coastal garden.
This article is your starting point. Once you’ve explored the coastal garden style, you can dive into our other guides, each covering a different garden style—from cottage charm to modern minimalism—helping you find the perfect fit for your outdoor space.
At a Glance
Coastal Garden Style: Introduction
Windswept and effortlessly chic, a coastal garden embraces the raw beauty of the seaside with hardy plants, sun-bleached driftwood, and a relaxed, low-maintenance charm.
There’s a certain magic to a coastal garden—a landscape shaped by the elements, where plants sway in the salty breeze, weathered wood and pebbled paths create a natural flow, and the muted tones of sea-worn foliage blend seamlessly with the horizon. Inspired by the rugged beauty of Britain’s coastal landscapes, this garden style is as effortless as it is elegant, evoking the tranquility of the shoreline while requiring minimal upkeep.
From Cornwall’s wild clifftops to the shingle shores of Dungeness, the UK’s coastline offers stunning examples of coastal planting—where hardy species not only survive but thrive in challenging conditions. Whether you live by the sea or simply want to recreate its calming aesthetic, a coastal garden is about working with nature, not against it.
Plants That Define a Coastal Garden
A successful coastal garden is built around resilient, wind-tolerant plants that can handle sandy or poor soil, salty air, and shifting weather conditions. The key is to choose varieties that mirror the soft, windswept movement of coastal landscapes, with drought-resistant foliage, silver tones, and layered textures.
Structural Planting: The Backbone of the Landscape
Tall, architectural plants provide height, movement, and structure, creating a sense of rhythm across the garden.
- Cordyline australis (Cabbage Palm/Torbay Palm) – A classic feature of many seaside towns, its tall, spiky silhouette withstands strong coastal winds.
- Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax) – With its bold, strappy leaves, this plant adds dramatic structure and is incredibly drought-resistant.
- Tamarisk (Tamarix ramosissima) – Feather-light pink flowers appear in summer, softening the look while tolerating the harshest sea breezes.
Textural Movement: The Soft, Flowing Layers
Coastal gardens embrace a natural, untamed look, and ornamental grasses play a vital role in achieving this aesthetic.
- Stipa tenuissima (Mexican Feather Grass) – A staple in coastal landscapes, its delicate golden strands move gracefully in the wind.
- Ammophila arenaria (Marram Grass) – Often found stabilizing sand dunes, it brings an authentic, wild feel to any coastal-style garden.
- Miscanthus sinensis (Chinese Silver Grass) – Adds height and elegance with feathery plumes that shift with the breeze.
Shrubs and Perennials: The Colour and Character
While coastal gardens tend to favor muted, silvery foliage, well-chosen flowering plants can introduce pops of soft blues, purples, and whites, reminiscent of the sea and sky.
- Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender) – Its silvery leaves and fragrant purple blooms bring a Mediterranean touch to coastal gardens.
- Eryngium maritimum (Sea Holly) – The spiky, steely-blue flower heads thrive in dry, sandy conditions, adding both color and structure.
- Cistus (Rock Rose) – With papery flowers in shades of white and pink, this drought-tolerant shrub thrives in poor, well-drained soil.
Ground Cover: Keeping It Natural and Low-Maintenance
Ground cover in a coastal garden should feel organic and uncontrived, mimicking the way plants spread across dunes and rocky outcrops.
- Thymus serpyllum (Creeping Thyme) – A fragrant, hardy alternative to lawn grass, perfect for dry, sandy conditions.
- Armeria maritima (Sea Thrift) – Clusters of pink, globe-like flowers sit atop wiry stems, thriving in coastal settings.
- Sedum acre (Goldmoss Stonecrop) – A drought-tolerant, sun-loving succulent, ideal for cracks in pathways and rock gardens.
Materials and Furniture: Creating a Cohesive Coastal Look
A coastal garden should feel relaxed, unfussy, and naturally weathered—as if shaped by the elements over time. Choosing the right materials ensures the space feels authentic while remaining practical for outdoor living.
Paths and Hardscaping
Rather than rigid paving, coastal gardens embrace a softer, more organic approach to hardscaping.
- Shingle and gravel – Mimic the texture of the shoreline, creating permeable pathways that won’t be damaged by wind or salt spray.
- Weathered wood decking – Reclaimed timber or driftwood-style decking provides a sun-bleached, natural feel.
- Natural stone – Local stone slabs or cobbles add character while blending seamlessly with the planting.
Seating and Outdoor Living
Furniture should feel like an extension of the landscape, with soft, neutral tones and natural textures.
- Teak or rattan seating – Naturally durable and beautifully weathered over time.
- Hammocks and hanging chairs – Reinforce the laid-back, breezy aesthetic.
- Built-in benches with cushions – Create wind-sheltered seating areas using stone or reclaimed wood.
Finishing Touches: Accessories That Elevate the Space
Coastal gardens should feel effortless and inviting, with decor that enhances the natural setting without overpowering it.
- Driftwood sculptures – Evoke the beauty of tidal landscapes.
- Nautical lanterns and soft lighting – String lights or lanterns provide gentle illumination, perfect for long summer evenings.
- Rustic planters and pots – Terracotta, zinc, or stone pots add an organic, understated elegance.
Inspiration from Coastal Gardens Around UK
- Derek Jarman’s Prospect Cottage (Dungeness, Kent) – A stunning example of a low-maintenance, artistic coastal garden, blending hardy plants with sculptural driftwood.
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan (Cornwall) – Though known for its exotic plants, Heligan’s walled gardens feature resilient coastal plantings that thrive near the sea.
- The Beth Chatto Gardens (Essex) – Showcases the principles of gravel gardening, perfect for creating a water-wise coastal-inspired space.
Why Choose a Coastal Garden?
A coastal garden is a lifestyle statement. It embodies freedom, relaxation, and resilience, embracing nature in its purest form. Whether you live by the sea or miles inland, you can capture the essence of the coast with thoughtful planting, natural materials, and a laid-back, breezy aesthetic.
By choosing wind-tolerant plants, muted coastal tones, and natural textures, you can create an outdoor retreat that feels as timeless and effortless as the tide itself—a space where the breeze carries the scent of lavender and sea spray, and where nature is left to thrive.
