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Coastal Garden. Landscape design integrating with the location

Coastal Garden. Landscape design for the local conditions

LANDSCAPING + HORTICULTURE

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Outdoor Establishments  Horticulture Team

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Project By Outdoor Establishments  Mona Vale

Date  April 30 2021

Author Outdoor Establishments

Photography Natalie Hunfalvay

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

The harsh conditions of the coast are what makes it so difficult to create a successful garden. One of the biggest challenges of living near the coast is the strong, salty winds. Not many plants can withstand the force exerted by the winds and nutrients from the soil can be blown away. This is why native coastal plants will aid in the success of your garden, as they have adapted to these harsh conditions. The materials used in the coastal look are usually weathered natural materials such as sandstone and crushed granite. When gardening along the coast the other main consideration is the soil. Most soils along the coastline are poor, holding little nutrients and water. Organic matter may need to be added for soil depth and nutrients, depending on how close you live to the ocean.


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. 


Do you have a coastline backyard wainting to be transformed ?

The Outdoor Establishments landscape architects + garden design team would love to chat and set up a consultation with you today.