Gardening at the beach has a few unique challenges! The salty breezes can wreak havoc on plant varieties that would do fine under more suitable climatic conditions. You can plan for protection from high winds with a little creativity. Proper placement of a fence portion or hardy shrubs can make conditions more favorable at a beach location.
Sandy soil can also be a problem. Fortunately this can be corrected by working organic material and soil into the ground where you are planting. Large pots are another option for having more control over the growing medium used. You want to keep a close eye on how dry the soil is getting quite frequently. The bright sun and constant air movement will dry your plants out in a hurry.
On the bright side, the beach offers interesting natural decor that can be worked into your garden design. Drift wood, large shells and sea-weathered rocks can mix in real well with greenery and flowers. When using materials provided by nature, be sure to wash off the salt thoroughly before placing them in or around a garden bed.
Keep in mind that the both salt and sun will affect your garden furniture and other decor. Wood benches, gates and fencing may have a shorter life span. Metal objects . Use as much natural material as possible.
It is best to start with small plants as they will adapt easier to beach life than larger plants. Ground covers that do well include wedelia, creeping fig and dichondra. Flowering shrubs such as lantana, confederate jasmine and oleander are a also good. Bougainvillea works well as a direct planting and in hanging planters. Native Daisy and Hibiscus will bloom in your beach garden. Checking with your local nursery where they are familiar with what grows in your climate is sometimes the quickest way to get started when choosing plants at the beach. Live oak, palms, cedar, and some pines trees handle the beach well. Beach grasses can be mixed in around trees or planted as a border.