It's a shore thing

COASTAL gardens have a charm blending informality with resil- ience. But you don’t need to live by the sea to enjoy the same feel. With the right mix of plants, tex- tures and styling, you can recreate the relaxed mood of the coast.

- DAVID DOMONEY

Choose plants that offer toughness and texture. Armeria maritima (thrift) is a timeless choice with pink pompom blooms and grassy foliage. It thrives in dry, free-draining soils and looks right at home in gravel or rock gardens.

Crambe maritima (sea kale) is perfect for creating bold foliage contrast. Its ruffled silver-green leaves and frothy spring flowers bring structure and style, and the young leaves are edible too.

For vertical form, try Phormium “Pink Panther, which has colourful, strappy leaves that add drama.

‘Upright’ is particularly suited to coastal planting.

With its upright habit and scented grey-green foliage, it’s useful for cooking and provides yearround structure.