Landscaping Along The Coastal Bend
When landscaping along the coast, it is important to keep a few key things in mind. One of the most important considerations is the climate you are landscaping in. Coastal climates are humid and experience more extreme temperature changes than inland areas. Choose plants that can withstand these conditions carefully. Native plants help ensure they are well-suited for the Coastal Bend.
Choose the right coastal plants for your landscape design.
Having the right coastal plants has its benefits. Plantings can prevent wind or water erosion, offer privacy, provide shade, attract wildlife, and provide beauty. Choose plants for their best functions but also consider factors like hardiness zone, watering needs, color, scale or size. Sandy soil conditions, salt air, and wind present landscape challenges.
Keep salt tolerance and the environment in mind while landscaping.
Another consideration when landscaping near the coast is salt tolerance. Salt spray from ocean winds can damage some types of landscaping. Select salt-tolerant plants and trees to protect your landscaping from damage over time. Native shrubs like beach heathers or beach plums are sturdy enough to handle salty air. These will create a beautiful landscaping effect near the coast.
Don’t be afraid of adding some garden décor and water features in your landscape design!
Something is endearing about the kinds of décor one finds in coastal gardens. Sometimes it’s nautical anchors, lobster traps, and buoys, sometimes invoking wildlife like egrets, seagulls, or flamingoes, and sometimes just generally quirky. Display collections of seashells, sea glass, or other found beach objects. This kind of personalized décor goes hand in hand with the idea that coastal landscaping often defines a place where fond memories are made and savored. Many coastal villages are home to artists’ communities and all that creativity is often reflected in garden decorations.
You might be thinking, “Why do I want a water feature when I live next to or so close to the water in Corpus Christi?” While it does seem a bit much, having a freshwater feature in a garden can be a welcome change from all the salt water at the beach. It gets hot in the Coastal Bend, and swimming pools are almost necessary to help keep cool during the summer here. Some water features with plants showcase a sense of landscape design and using container plantings allows for flexibility of movement.
Finally, consider landscaping design that takes advantage of coastal elements such as sand or stones. Low-lying landscaping with these materials can help create an oasis near the shore and provide a comfortable place for lounging and soaking up some sun. With thoughtful landscaping, you can turn any coastal area into your private paradise!
Fischer Landscaping has a great eye for design and can help you find the right plants, materials, and landscape design for your home or commercial property. Call us today at (361) 331-1758 for a free consultation!
