Victorian Coastal Garden Design: Plants & Materials for Salt, Wind & Sandy Soil

Coastal gardens near Melbourne—like those in Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove—demand plant selections and materials that withstand salt-laden winds, poor sandy soils, and exposure. Success lies in blending native, indigenous, and adapted exotic species for beauty and resilience.

Standout Coastal Plants

• Eucalyptus caesia 'Silver Princess' – Weeping form, large red bird-attracting flowers
• Acacia cognata – Soft, flowing 'drifts' of fine foliage
• Correas & Grevilleas – Shrubs with vibrant flowers, nectar for honeyeaters
• Cushion Bush (Leucophyta brownii) – Curious grey, waxy texture; pairs beautifully with tufting grasses
• Myoporum parvifolium & Grevillea 'Bronze Rambler' – Groundcovers suppressing weeds

Natural Materials for Authentic Character

Driftwood, stone, gravel, and recycled timber create an organic feel. A tomato-stake front fence adds rustic charm while defining space.

Maintenance: Not "No-Maintenance"

Coastal gardens need care to thrive: annual pruning, mulching with recycled prunings or gravel, deep watering during the first summer establishment. Without it, even tough plants decline.

Designing for the Environment

A successful coastal garden respects the site's challenges while reflecting the client's vision. With informed plant choices and thoughtful hardscapes, these landscapes become enduring, low-input havens.