Planning a Garden by the Sea

"Planning a Garden by the Sea"
By Deb Lambert

From ancient times to present, man has striven to beautify the edifices he has erected by the sea. Sometimes the landscape designs are as fanciful and contrived as the buildings they surround. For example, the late 18th century found people seeking the healthful benefits of seaside spas, along the English coast. With architecture borrowed from temples and palaces of other countries, it stands to reason that the exotically landscaped grounds would include features and ornamentation of far-off climes.

There are basic concepts, one might even say precepts, that are as true for gardening by the sea, as they are for gardening far from the water's edge. Whether your tastes in architecture and landscape design tend toward the formal or informal, the basic principles are the same. Landscaping "ties" the house to the ground, bringing the building into harmony with its surroundings. Working with an eye toward the subtle transition from neatly landscaped grounds to natural, adjacent areas, is the common thread running through the creation of all good landscape plans.

If, in the natural landscape, there exists a rugged cliff and breathtaking ocean view, you would not erect a high fence nor would you plant a high windbreak, with the intent of cultivating a variety of plants best left for the woodland garden. You would lose your magnificent view and, most likely, the plants you strove to cultivate. The inclusion of such borrowed views, is of prime importance in any plan. As you include shrubs and trees in the landscape theme, make sure that they will not obscure any panoramic vistas, as they attain their mature height.

The challenge of planning a garden by the sea is probably greater than that faced by many inland gardeners. Working with, and observing nature, is the key to success. While you may enjoy a more moderate climate, enabling you to grow plants not generally cultivated in the general area, the warming effect of the water is not a constant factor. Cold winter winds can prove fatal and many plants will benefit from the protection of burlap and anti-desiccants.

Wind, at any time of year, is a factor to be reckoned with, as it can be one of the most destructive elements with which you deal. It can break branches, tear leaves, nip flower buds before they open and erode the soil that supports your plants. The drying effect of the wind, to both soil and foliage, is a constant problem. Sand, blown about by the wind can be even more detrimental, as it abrades leaves and bark, sometimes burying plants.

The soil for your seaside garden may be sandy or gravelly, possibly containing shell particles, high in calcium. The lack of calcium, or lime, can have the same effect as an over-abundance of calcium. Soil nutrients already present, as well as those that you apply in the form of fertilizer, become locked up and are not utilized by the plants. Soil tests are indispensable, in judging what additives and nutrients are essential for future success.

Compost, composted manure, peat moss, peat humus and finely ground, composted bark are all invaluable additives, to improve the texture and fertility of sandy soils. With such well-drained soil, roots are not likely to rot and there is less chance of frost-heave damage. Ledge is often a factor in seaside gardening, and will greatly affect your selection of plant material. It usually presents us with a shallow soil layer that causes plants, especially turf grasses, to dry suddenly from accumulated heat.

If you garden by the sea, drop by next time, for more tips and suitable plant material.

©Deb Lambert 2008/Photo ©CBI 2008