SEASIDE SPECIALS

Many plants thrive in coastal gardens, undaunted by the salty air, strong winds and sandy soil. And you can use these for inland gardens, too

- ANNE SWITHINBANK 

Here in the UK we have around 19,500 miles of coastline, including islands, and everything seems different close to the sea. The sea kale and sea beet on shingle shores, and thrift and sea campion on cliff pathways, are part of our native flora. Other familiar plants are the stalwarts of coastal gardens, many from New Zealand, Chile, the Mediterranean and California.

Plants able to tolerate seaside conditions share a range of adaptations, including low growth, leathery or hairy leaf surfaces, and silvery foliage that can reflect light. The same traits come in useful for inland gardens where poor soil and drought are a problem.