Coastal Garden. Landscape design integrating with the location
Coastal Garden. Landscape design for the local conditions
LANDSCAPING + HORTICULTURE
Outdoor Establishments Horticulture Team
Project By Outdoor Establishments Mona Vale
Landscape design by Outdoor Establishments
Although it isn’t abnormal to think about the Australian coastal environment as a haven, it is a very inhospitable place. Therefore, creating a dream backyard whilst living along coastline can be quite a challenge. Look no further than your own local beaches and you can find inspiration to create a thriving coastal garden, that reflects the earthy, warm tones and laid back vibes
Relaxed Vibes
The majority of the Australian population lives near the coast, lined with our beautiful beaches. We see the beach as our go-to getaway, from the heat, and from the busy city lifestyle. Spending many lazy summer days on the beach. The coastline somewhat reflects this, being loose unstructured, curving and twisting, shapes and forms. Whether that’s the arms of a Coastal Tea Tree or the water itself and the sand that’s left behind, there is not much formality. Maybe it what makes these gardens more desirable. They are a reflection of our lifestyle and help us unwind in our own garden.
Hardy and Tested
Plants that suit
Leaves are a good indication of suitable plants for coastal gardens. Silver foliage deflects sunlight, whereas waxy, hairy, and leathery leaves are a sign for plants coping with salty winds. Thicker leaves also indicate drought resistance as they don’t dry out as fast. Certain tropical plants are also suited to this landscape.
Mona Vale project is one of our successful coastal gardens with selected tropical and native plants. Dragon tree and Pandanus were both used as architectural/textural elements
Some trees can act as windbreakers. Banksia integrifolia (Coastal Banksia) and Leptospermum laevigatum (Coastal Tea Tree), create beautiful sculptural curves with their branches, framing your ocean view. Using low-lying shrubs, such as Coastal rosemary or Correa Alba can be good substituted if you rather retain the views.
Grasses and ground covers stabilise the sand dunes along our beach- es. Depending on how sandy your soils are, they can do the same for your garden.
Myoporum parvifolium is a great ground cover to use over a rocky outcrop or Gazanias are great fillers and stabilisers with a pop of yellow flowering colours with silvery leaves also used in our Mona Vale Project.