Seaside SPECIAL

Coastal gardens can be dazzling, but only if you work with local conditions. Here's what to consider

- CHRIS MORLEY

On the waterfront

If you're lucky enough to live beside the sea, you'll know the environment can make gardening tricky. Plants need to cope with extreme conditions, whether strong winds, glaring sun or drought. Salt-laden breezes can burn foliage too, especially in spring when tender new shoots emerge. On the upside, coastal areas usually bask in mild winters and plentiful hours of sunshine.

Protective layers

One of the best things you can do to improve a coastal garden is to provide shelter from the prevailing winds. Trees, like Monterey pine and evergreen oak (