Give your garden an easy seaside-inspired makeover with these 6 coastal garden plants
If you're not lucky enough to live by the coast, why not create a seaside-inspired garden instead with these coastal garden plants?
This heatwave has us all dreaming of the seaside. However, if you're not lucky enough to live by the coast, why not create a seaside-inspired garden instead with these coastal garden plants?
Related: Nautical bathroom ideas that are inspired by the seaside
While sand and pebbles are a key component in a coastal garden. Plants are just as important for recreating the peaceful atmosphere of a British beach.
The experts at Dobbies Garden Centres has put together their top plant picks for recreating the British beach vibe, no matter the size of your garden.
Coastal garden plants
1.Rosemary
'This hardy shrub will look lovely and scent your garden beautifully too,' explains Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies Garden Centres. 'There are many herbs that will happily grow in seaside gardens, including Sage and Thyme.'
Pick your favourites for cooking, and you will have an endless supply of fresh herbs for cooking.
2.Cordyline Australis
'This seaside loving plant thrives in harsh environments, hence why it does so well by the sea,' says Marcus.
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These plants will thrive in sunny spots and look great in your garden all year round.
3.Sea Holly
This spikey plant makes a bold statement with its thistle-like flowers. There is also the bonus that they are long-lasting.
'They prefer a sunny spot, and dry, well-draining soil,' explains Marcus. 'They are also a favourite with bees and butterflies.'
4.Hydrangeas
These beautiful plants grow great in sandy soil, so you can embrace the full coastal garden experience.
'They come in a variety of shades, including sea blues, pretty lilacs and soft pinks for a country coastal feel,' Marcus says
But do remember to keep these plants well watered in the hot weather.
5.Lavender
Lavender is one of the easiest plants to look after, and can often be seen growing in coastal gardens.
'As long as it is planted and established well, lavender is drought tolerant and low maintenance,' says Marcus. 'They work well in pots on the patio either side of your front door for a fragrant welcome.'
6.Ornamental Grasses
Complete your seaside-inspired garden with these tall and spikey plants They cope well in windy conditions and often grow in the sand dunes along a beach.
'These are best planted in groups,' advises Marcus. 'Choose from varieties including Calamagrostis Arundinacea or Carex oshimensis 'Evergold' which has variegated foliage and will thrive best in borders or near ponds, as it likes to be kept moist.'
Related: Get summer ready with fruity new Argos range – including deck chairs & sun loungers
Style your plants in raised bed planters and concrete pots, against a backdrop of whitewashed walls and winding pebble baths to complete the coastal look.
Rebecca Knight has been the Deputy Editor on the Ideal Home Website since 2022. She graduated with a Masters degree in magazine journalism from City, University of London in 2018, before starting her journalism career as a staff writer on women's weekly magazines. She fell into the world of homes and interiors after joining the Ideal Home website team in 2019 as a Digital Writer. In 2020 she moved into position of Homes News Editor working across Homes & Gardens, LivingEtc, Real Homes, Gardeningetc and Ideal Home covering everything from the latest viral cleaning hack to the next big interior trend.
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