Planting Design: Seaside and Shelter

Designing a garden by the sea poses special problems for the designer. High winds and salt spray can wreak havoc with planting schemes, and the need to provide sheltered areas for sitting and entertaining may be difficult to achieve. On the positive side, the proximity of the sea greatly reduces the chances of damaging spring frosts, so the designer may choose from a far wider palette of plants than is possible further inland, including the exotic and sub-tropical species currently in vogue. A balance between providing sufficient shelter to satisfy the client's needs and allowing views to the sea to be maintained and enhanced, is the challenge facing every designer. The book explains the particular process of analysis needed for maritime environments, the effects of wind and salt spray and the microclimates created by sea and wind. The establishment and maintenance of shelter belts is fully explained, together with practical information about the choice and implementation of planting schemes. A suggested list of suitable plants for windswept sites is included. Each chapter is accompanied by case studies of actual coastal gardens.