Coastal garden ideas

On the coast, wind is the entire design problem. Filter it rather than block it and a surprising range of planting becomes possible.

AI-generated concept image

Light: Full sun
Water: Low
Upkeep: Low
Colour: Cool
Planting survives: −10 °C / 14 °F

Getting it right

Never build a solid wall or fence. Wind lifts over a solid barrier and slams down harder a few metres behind it; a permeable screen that lets roughly half the wind through does far more good, whether that is slatted timber or a first line of sea buckthorn. Plant small so roots establish before the top catches the wind. Keep silver, waxy and needled foliage at the exposed front and save anything soft-leaved for the pocket of shelter behind it.

Plants that work

Botanical names are given first so you can order the right plant anywhere. Heights are for mature plants in open ground.
Plant	Type	Light	Water	Height	Hardy to
Japanese roseRosa rugosa	Shrub · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	1–2 m	−35 °C / −31 °F
Sea buckthornHippophae rhamnoides	Shrub · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	2–5 m	−35 °C / −31 °F
Sea thriftArmeria maritima	Perennial · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	15–25 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
Sea hollyEryngium maritimum	Perennial · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	30–50 cm	−20 °C / −4 °F
Blue lyme grassLeymus arenarius	Grass · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	0.6–1 m	−30 °C / −22 °F
Sea kaleCrambe maritima	Perennial · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	50–70 cm	−25 °C / −13 °F
EscalloniaEscallonia rubra	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Moderate	1.5–2.5 m	−10 °C / 14 °F
Daisy bushOlearia × haastii	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	1.5–2.5 m	−12 °C / 10 °F
TamariskTamarix ramosissima	Shrub · Deciduous	Full sun	Low	2.5–4 m	−20 °C / −4 °F
HeatherCalluna vulgaris	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	20–50 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F
Winter heathErica carnea	Shrub · Evergreen	Full sun	Moderate	20–30 cm	−25 °C / −13 °F
Mountain pinePinus mugo	Conifer · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	1–3 m	−40 °C / −40 °F
Blue fescueFestuca glauca	Grass · Evergreen	Full sun	Low	20–30 cm	−30 °C / −22 °F