Gardens along the Dorset coast — from Bournemouth and Poole through Swanage, Wareham and Bridport — enjoy one of the most benign climates in the British Isles. Frosts are rare and short-lived, growing seasons are long, and the proximity to the sea creates unique opportunities for planting while posing specific challenges from wind and salt spray.
Dealing with Salt Wind
The primary challenge for coastal Dorset gardens is wind-borne salt. The solution is to establish a windbreak — either a living hedge or a fence — to shelter the inner garden and allow a wider range of planting within.
- Tamarisk — outstanding coastal windbreak, feathery pink flowers
- Escallonia — evergreen, fast-growing coastal hedge
- Olearia (daisy bush) — silver-grey foliage, salt-tolerant
- Pittosporum — good windbreak once established
- Griselinia — excellent evergreen coastal screen
Planting Opportunities
Within the shelter of a good windbreak, coastal Dorset gardens can grow plants rarely possible in inland Hampshire — tree ferns, echiums, agaves, phormiums and many tender perennials all thrive in the mild, frost-light coastal climate.
Materials for Coastal Gardens
Choose materials that weather well in exposed coastal conditions — natural stone, marine-grade steel, composite decking and powder-coated aluminium all perform well near the sea. Untreated timber deteriorates rapidly in salt air.
A&T Landscapes designs and builds gardens for Dorset coastal properties. Call 07735 916029 to discuss your coastal garden project.