Do you love the beach and the beauty of the beach landscape but live too far away to enjoy it daily? There is good news! The warm and inviting feel of a seascape garden can be created right in your very own backyard. Here are some essential tips and element suggestions to help you create the perfect beach oasis at home!
Plan it out
Whenever you plan any landscape/garden project, you should always draw your design on paper first. This helps you get an idea of what you really want and serves as a roadmap of sorts once you start digging into your project. Be sure to consider the amount of time that you have to spend on your garden – this will dictate how elaborate you make your garden oasis.
To complete your design, you will need to know how much space you are working with. This can be done using stakes and strings or marking paint. Check out some books or sources on the Internet for inspiration. Remember, there is no right or wrong; it is your space to create, and everyone’s idea of a beachside garden is a little different.
A water feature
While you might not be able to bring the ocean to your backyard, a beautiful water feature can do the trick. A freestanding wave fountain is one of the best ways to capture the essence of the ocean without having the ocean. You can purchase free-standing wave fountains in a variety of shapes and sizes. Pick one that will work well for your space and place it in an area where it can be most enjoyed. A wave fountain makes an excellent focal point for any backyard beach garden.
A private beach
There is nothing quite like the feeling of warm white sand on your bare feet. Recreate the perfect secluded beach by bringing in just the right amount of white sand for your backyard ocean garden. Start by outlining space for your beach using marker paint or stakes and string. Dig out the grass and place edging around your beach to hold the sand in place.
Add your chairs and umbrellas
A beach garden is not complete without an assortment of hammocks, beach chairs, and umbrellas. Decorate your private beach in a way that is both eye-catching and practical, using a variety of seating arrangements. If you desire more shade than a beach umbrella can provide, install two poles and stretch a shade sail across your beach.
Plants, plants and more plants
If your climate does not support the types of plants found at your favorite beach spot, look for look-alikes that will give you that beachy feel. Some great options include grasses such as feather grass, oat grass, pampas grass, etc.… Use taller grasses for the back of your garden spot and smaller ones in the front row. Of course, if you can have palms, plant away! But remember, dwarf varieties are best. Some of the best plants for the backyard seascape include lavender, rosemary, succulents, dianthus daylilies, red hot pokers, yarrow, and lantana.
Shells and pebbles
Fill garden beds with crushed shells or pebbles for a real touch of the ocean. You can also create a fun pebble path through your beachside garden. Direct the path to special spots within your garden, such as secluded sitting areas or even an outdoor kitchen. You could also place buckets or pots of shells strategically through your garden.
Create a boardwalk
Boardwalks are popular on beaches and can easily be recreated using weathered wood. Add a weathered-looking deck at the end of your boardwalk for a perfect place to enjoy your garden with family and friends.
Other beachy additions to consider
Here are a few other beachy additions to consider adding to your garden:
- Pathway lights
- Nautical garden embellishments such as old anchors, rope, lanterns, etc.,
- Flamingos – if you are so daring
- Old boat oars
- Turtles and fish decor
Who’s ready for the beach?
-Susan Patterson
