Are you dreaming of creating your own coastal paradise at home? Look no further! Lets explore some key features that you can incorporate to create the perfect beach style garden.
Affiliate Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Top Tip: Embrace a palette of soft blues, sandy beiges, and weathered whites in décor and accessories to effortlessly channel the serene vibes of a coastal retreat in your garden.
1. Incorporate Pebbles and Stones
Pebbles and stones are an essential feature of any beach style garden. Not only do they add a natural touch to your outdoor space, but they also provide an attractive, low-maintenance ground cover.
You can use pebbles or stones as a base for pathways, as edging around garden beds, or even as a decorative feature in a rock garden.
2. Utilise Seaside-Themed Garden Décor
Incorporating seaside-themed garden décor such as sculptures or ornaments is a fantastic way to add some coastal charm to your garden.
These decorative elements will not only provide visual interest but also evoke the carefree spirit of the seaside.
3. Create Your Own Beach Signage or Bunting
Celebrate your love for the coast by displaying seaside-themed garden flags or bunting in your outdoor space.
These eye-catching accessories can be hung from flagpoles, attached to fences, or even draped across garden archways. Choose designs featuring beach huts, lighthouses, or sailboats to create an inviting and cheerful atmosphere. Alternatively opt for simple geometric patterns and such as stripes or checks.
For a modern take, check out this simple rustic hessian bunting from Amazon
4. Incorporate Driftwood or Weathered Wood
Driftwood and weathered wooden accents are synonymous with the beach and can bring a rustic, coastal vibe to your garden.
Use these natural materials to create garden borders, benches, or even as standalone decorative pieces. The weathered appearance of the wood will lend an air of authenticity to your seaside haven.
5. Use Nautical Ropes or Knots
Incorporate nautical ropes or knots as a unique and functional design element in your garden. Use them to create interesting borders, barriers or even as part of a homemade hammock or swing. The sturdy nature of nautical rope ensures durability, while the texture adds visual interest.
6. Shells, Sea Glass and Other Beach Finds
Beachcombing finds like shells, sea glass, or driftwood can add a personal touch to your seaside garden.
Scatter these treasures throughout your garden as decorative accents, or use them to create beautiful mosaics or stepping stones. These items will serve as a reminder of your favourite coastal memories and add character to your outdoor space.
7. Incorporate Coastal Plants
Coastal style ornamental grasses are perfect for recreating the breezy atmosphere of the beach. These plants are low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, and provide movement and texture to your garden. Try planting varieties like sea oats, blue fescue, or pampas grass to add height and dimension to your seaside oasis.
Mediterranean and succulent plants are well-suited for a beach-style garden due to their tolerance for sandy soil and dry conditions. Consider adding plants like lavender, rosemary, or sedum to your garden for a touch of Mediterranean flair. These plants also offer the added bonus of being aromatic and attracting pollinators.
Flowering plants like hydrangeas, lavender, and sea holly are perfect for adding vibrant colour and beauty to your seaside garden. These plants are not only attractive but also hardy, making them a great choice for coastal-inspired landscapes. Incorporate these blooms in your garden beds or borders to create a stunning visual display.
See our top 10 plants for creating a beach / seaside style garden in the UK towards the bottom of this page.
8. Use Blue or Green Accent Colours
Incorporate blue and green accent colours throughout your garden to evoke the calming hues of the ocean and the surrounding coastal landscape. Add pops of colour with painted garden furniture, planters, or even colourful outdoor cushions. These vibrant shades will help to tie your seaside theme together and create a cohesive look.
9. Include Coastal Themed Garden Furniture
Choose coastal-themed garden furniture, such as these beautiful Adirondack chairs or beach umbrellas, to create the perfect spot for relaxing and enjoying your seaside retreat. Opt for weather-resistant materials like teak or composite to ensure your furniture stands up to the elements. Add some comfy cushions and blankets for an extra touch of cosiness.
10. Add Coastal-Inspired Garden Lighting
Illuminate your seaside garden with coastal-inspired lighting options like lanterns, festoon lights, or even solar-powered lighthouse statues. These lighting solutions will not only provide ambience but also help to highlight key features of your garden. Choose fixtures with a nautical or beachy design to further enhance your theme.
11. Consider Water Features
Incorporate water features such as fountains, ponds, or even a small stream to create a sense of tranquillity and mimic the soothing sound of the ocean. Water features also provide a valuable habitat for wildlife and can become a focal point in your garden. Choose designs with natural materials like stone or wood to complement your seaside theme.
12. Incorporate Coastal-Inspired Garden Paths
Craft coastal-inspired garden paths using wooden boards, gravel, pebbles, or crushed shells to create the feeling of walking along the beach. These materials are low-maintenance and lend a natural, beachy look to your garden. Use curved pathways to create a sense of mystery and encourage exploration.
13. Consider Outdoor Showers or Foot-Washing Stations
An outdoor shower or foot-washing station is not only practical but also adds a fun and functional beach-inspired feature to your garden. Rinse off after a day spent gardening or simply enjoy the refreshing sensation of an outdoor shower on a hot summer day.
14. Include a Beach-Style Picnic or Dining Area
Create a beach-style picnic or dining area by setting up a picnic table, a fire pit, or even a simple blanket on a patch of sand or grass. Add colourful cushions, beach-themed tableware, and some string lights to complete the look. This inviting space will be perfect for alfresco dining and enjoying warm summer evenings with family and friends.
15. Transform Your Garden Shed or Storage Area
Transform your garden shed or storage area into a seaside-themed haven by painting it in coastal colours, adding beach-inspired decorations, or even creating a mini beach hut. This creative and functional space can be used to store gardening tools, beach gear, or even serve as a cosy retreat for reading or enjoying a cup of tea.
Embrace your inner beachcomber and personalize your shed with found treasures like seashells or driftwood for a truly one-of-a-kind space.
Top 10 Plants for Beach Style Gardens
1. Echinops Ritro
With its distinctive globe-shaped blue blooms and thistle-like allure, Echinops ritro, commonly known as Globe Thistle, introduces a captivating maritime essence to your garden. Not only does it beckon pollinators, but its hardy nature also stands resilient against the challenges of coastal environments, making it an excellent choice for a seaside-themed sanctuary.
2. Lavender (Lavandula)
A classic Mediterranean plant, lavender thrives in well-drained soil and full sun. Its fragrant flowers attract pollinators and add a beautiful pop of colour to your seaside garden.
3. Ornamental Grasses
Ornamental grasses such as blue fescue or Mexican feather grass provide texture, movement, and a beachy vibe to your garden. They are low-maintenance and drought-tolerant, making them ideal for a coastal-themed garden.
4. Hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla)
With their large, showy flowers, hydrangeas add a burst of colour to your seaside garden. They are hardy plants that can withstand coastal conditions and provide a stunning visual display.
5. Agapanthus
Also known as African Lily, Agapanthus produces large clusters of blue or white flowers on tall stalks. This plant is perfect for adding height and drama to your beach-style garden.
6. Sedum
Sedums are succulent plants that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They are drought-tolerant and low-maintenance, making them ideal for adding a touch of the Mediterranean to your seaside garden.
7. Olearia
Olearia, also known as Daisy Bush, is a group of evergreen shrubs that produce clusters of daisy-like flowers. They are salt-tolerant and perfect for creating hedges or as standalone plants in a coastal garden.
8. Sea Thrift (Armeria maritima)
This low-growing perennial produces pink, white, or red flowers that resemble small pom-poms. Sea Thrift is salt-tolerant and perfect for planting along pathways or in rock gardens.
9. Santolina (Santolina chamaecyparissus)
This Mediterranean plant features silvery-grey foliage and small, button-like yellow flowers. Santolina is drought-tolerant and ideal for adding contrast and texture to your beach-style garden.
10. Sea Holly
With its striking blue flowers and spiky appearance, Sea Holly adds visual interest and a touch of coastal charm to your garden. It’s also drought-tolerant and well-suited for sandy soil.
Advantages of Creating a Beach Inspired Garden
Creating a beach-style garden has many benefits, such as providing a relaxing retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life with its calming atmosphere and soothing elements. The unique aesthetic of a coastal-inspired theme sets your outdoor space apart from typical gardens, allowing you to explore a distinct design approach that leaves a lasting impression on visitors.
The low-maintenance landscaping, featuring drought-tolerant plants and ornamental grasses, saves time and effort, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor space without constant upkeep. Furthermore, a beach-style garden evokes a sense of playfulness and fun reminiscent of seaside days, creating an inviting atmosphere for light-hearted enjoyment and entertainment for family and friends.
Overall, a beach-style garden is a versatile and rewarding choice for those looking to transform their outdoor space into a coastal paradise.
Final thoughts
Creating a seaside or beach-style garden in the UK is not only achievable but also an incredibly rewarding project. By incorporating some of these key features, you’ll be well on your way to transforming your outdoor space into a coastal paradise that’s perfect for relaxation, entertaining, and reconnecting with nature. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your gardening tools, and let the adventure begin – the beach is just a few steps away!
FAQs – Beach Style Garden Ideas
Q. How do you make coastal décor?
Coastal décor is characterized by its relaxed, breezy vibe that draws inspiration from the sea and shore. Start by using a colour palette inspired by the beach – soft blues, sandy beiges, and crisp whites. Incorporate natural materials like driftwood, sea glass, and shells into your décor. Re-purposed wooden items, striped textiles, and nautical accents such as anchors, ropes, and lanterns can further emphasize the coastal theme.
Q. How do you make a beach vibe at home in the garden?
To create a beach vibe in your garden, begin by introducing sandy pathways or a small sandy relaxation area with beach chairs or loungers. Plant coastal and beach-friendly plants like dune grasses, succulents, and lavender. Add decorative elements like surfboards, seashells, or even a small fire pit to replicate beach bonfires. The sound of water, whether from a fountain or a small pond, can also evoke the soothing ambiance of the shoreline.
Q. What is a whimsical landscape?
A whimsical landscape is one that breaks traditional gardening conventions in favour of fantasy, imagination, and playful elements. It might include storybook-inspired themes, quirky plant arrangements, fantastical sculptures, or dreamy lightings like fairy lights draped over trees. The goal is to create a garden space where visitors feel transported to a magical, unexpected world.
