Coastal Garden in La Baule, France

This coastal garden is located 300 metres away from the seaside in a conservation area. The sloping garden under old maritime pine trees and in the shade of tall trees from the neighbourhood can be a harsh environment for many plants.

The owner of the property is a keen gardener and uses this property as a vacation home. Hence plants have to be of low maintenance with maximum impact in the summer and in the autumn when the family is on holiday.

Hardlandscaping

A marine stainless steel railing brings a contemporary feel on the terrace in keeping with the interior decoration and contrasts nicely with the architecture of the house.

Local boulders shape the garden with organic shapes and help to hold the soil at different levels.

The two young kids enjoy plenty of fun with the garden playhouse which has been painted in white and grey to match the facade of the cottage.

Shade and salt tolerant planting

Planting has been carefully chosen to resist shade, wind, salt and poor sandy soil which has been improved by compost. Also the sloping garden was a challenge.

Architectural Trachycarpus and Phormium bring height and structure to the garden all year round. A variety of grasses float with the breeze.

A parterre of white and light pink hydrangeas brings a flush of light in the shady area of the garden in the summer.

As the days shorten and temperature begin to drop, a selection of Japanese Maples suddenly erupt into an explosion of crimson colour.