The sea is the best friend (mild climate) and enemy (sea spray) of the seaside garden, and the right choice of plants is essential to the success of this garden subjected to the elements. Here are our tips for creating a seaside garden and our selection of plants resistant to sea spray.
In the case of a garden on the front line facing the sea (i.e. there’s nothing between the sea and the garden), it’s essential to create elements (walls, plantings) that will stop the sea spray frying most plants.
In an area subject to wind, sand, sea spray and salt, start by choosing the most resistant plants: tamarisks, pittosporum tobira, eleagnus, griselinia, oleander, washingtonia robusta (in the Mediterranean), Japanese charcoal, holm oak, cork oak, monterey cypress, olearia, pine, arbutus, plane tree, Provence cane, olive, cordyline, yucca, grasses, agave.
All these plants must be kept in a compact or ball shape, otherwise the sea spray will “burn” anything that sticks out. Mix species and plant closely together.
At the foot of these large plants, sheltered bushes can be planted: rosemary, pittosporum nana, rockroses, callistemon, lavender, lavatere, genet, thyme, food vine, Virginia creeper, bougainvillea (on the Côte d’Azur).
Ideally, at the start of planting, in the event of a gust of wind, protect the plants with a windbreak made of split bamboo or brandy, or even with a winter veil. If you notice that salt has settled on the leaves following a storm, baste (= water the leaves abundantly) to remove the salt, which attacks the plants.
If you want a lawn, opt for Zoysia tenuifolia, which can even be accidentally watered with seawater.
In general, seaside soil is poor or salty, so don’t hesitate to add 30 cm of topsoil to the area to be planted to enrich the soil.
Keep tall plants facing the wind, especially those on stems, which are more fragile.
For the first two years after planting, create watering troughs and water abundantly, especially when gales are forecast and after they have passed.
When using our garden simulator, you can find out the plants’ tolerance to sea spray on their identity sheet.
You too can create your own spray-proof garden with the help of our website:
Discover our Mediterranean garden secrets