Owning a property in Avalon, Stone Harbor, or anywhere on the Seven Mile Island means enjoying gorgeous ocean sunrises, peaceful bay sunsets, and the constant rhythm of the waves. But creating a thriving garden in this environment comes with unique challenges: salt spray, intense sun, strong winds, and sandy soil with poor water retention.
The good news? With the right approach and plant selections, you can create a stunning seaside garden that not only survives but thrives in coastal conditions—while requiring less water and maintenance than you might expect.
Understanding Your Coastal Environment
Before selecting plants, it's important to understand what makes seaside gardening unique. Coastal gardens must contend with several environmental stressors:
- Salt spray – Ocean winds carry salt that coats leaves and burns sensitive plants
- Intense sunlight – Reflected light from water and sand increases sun exposure
- Sandy soil – Drains quickly and holds few nutrients
- Strong winds – Can dry out plants and cause physical damage
- Summer heat – Temperatures can soar with little natural shade
While these conditions may seem daunting, nature has provided us with numerous plants perfectly adapted to thrive in exactly these circumstances.
Best Plants for Coastal New Jersey Gardens
Sunpatiens: Vibrant Color for Full Sun
Sunpatiens are a game-changer for coastal gardens. Unlike traditional impatiens that prefer shade, these sun-loving plants thrive in full sunlight and high humidity. They produce abundant blooms in vibrant colors—reds, pinks, corals, purples, and whites—from late spring through first frost.
What makes Sunpatiens ideal for shore properties is their exceptional heat tolerance and ability to bounce back quickly from occasional dry spells. They work beautifully in garden beds, containers, and hanging baskets, providing continuous color throughout the season.
Scaevola (Fan Flower): The Ocean's Favorite
If you're looking for plants that actually mirror the ocean's blue hues, scaevola is your answer. These Australian natives produce unique fan-shaped flowers in beautiful shades of blue, lilac, and white. They're highly tolerant of heat, wind, and salt, making them perfectly suited for coastal conditions.
Scaevola works excellently as both ground cover and in hanging baskets. Its trailing habit creates a cascading effect that softens hardscape edges and adds movement to the garden. When ocean breezes kick up, these sturdy plants hold their ground while delicate alternatives would fail.
Fountain Grass: Graceful Movement and Texture
Fountain grass brings an entirely different aesthetic to coastal gardens. These ornamental grasses create beautiful contrast against colorful flowering plants while adding texture and movement to the landscape. Their graceful, arching foliage sways in ocean breezes, creating a dynamic, natural look.
Fountain grass is exceptionally drought and salt-tolerant, thriving in the sandy soil conditions common throughout the Seven Mile Island. Varieties like 'Fireworks' add burgundy and pink tones, while traditional green varieties provide a more subtle backdrop. They require virtually no maintenance once established.
Begonias: Versatile and Reliable
Begonias offer tremendous versatility for coastal gardens. While many begonia varieties prefer shade, sun-tolerant types like Dragon Wing and Gryphon begonias can handle several hours of direct sunlight before needing protection during the hottest part of the day.
These plants excel in both in-ground plantings and containers, making them perfect for mixed designs. Their glossy foliage and abundant blooms in reds, pinks, and whites add polish to any garden. For shaded areas under porches or on north-facing sides of homes, begonias are unbeatable performers.
Cascading Geraniums: Classic Coastal Charm
No shore home is complete without cascading geraniums spilling from window boxes and containers. These classic coastal favorites are beloved throughout Avalon and Stone Harbor for good reason—they're incredibly resilient and produce masses of vibrant blooms all season long.
Cascading geraniums tolerate full sun, salt air, and even irregular watering (though consistent moisture produces better results). Available in reds, pinks, and whites, they create that quintessential coastal cottage look that defines Seven Mile Island's charm. Their waterfall effect softens architectural lines and adds romantic appeal to any property.
Designing Your Seaside Garden
Soil Improvement
Sandy coastal soil needs help retaining water and nutrients. Before planting, work in generous amounts of compost or aged manure to improve soil structure. Organic matter acts like a sponge, holding moisture and nutrients longer so plants can access them. Plan to add compost annually to maintain soil health.
Mulching Strategy
Mulch is essential in coastal gardens. A 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch helps retain soil moisture, moderates soil temperature, suppresses weeds, and protects roots from extreme heat. Replenish mulch annually, as salt air and strong winds can break it down faster than in inland gardens.
Watering Wisely
Even drought-tolerant plants need regular water while establishing. Water deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth. Early morning watering is ideal—it reduces evaporation loss and allows foliage to dry before evening, reducing disease risk.
Once established, most salt-tolerant plants require less frequent watering than you might expect. Let the soil dry slightly between waterings rather than keeping it constantly moist.
Wind Protection
Strategic placement of hardscape features, fencing, or taller plantings can create microclimates that protect more delicate plants from harsh winds. Consider using native shrubs like bayberry or beach plum as natural windbreaks.
Professional Coastal Garden Design in Avalon & Stone Harbor
At Blue Lawns, we specialize in creating beautiful, sustainable gardens that thrive in coastal conditions. We understand the unique challenges of Seven Mile Island properties and know exactly which plants will flourish in your specific location.
Our coastal garden services include:
- Custom garden design featuring salt and drought-tolerant plants
- Soil improvement and amendment recommendations
- Strategic placement for sun, wind, and salt exposure
- Container garden design for patios and decks
- Seasonal planting and maintenance programs
- Water-efficient irrigation solutions
Whether you're looking to create a colorful entrance garden, a lush poolside landscape, or vibrant window boxes, we'll design a planting plan that combines beauty with coastal resilience.
Embrace Coastal Gardening
Creating a drought and salt-tolerant seaside garden isn't about fighting nature—it's about working with it. By choosing plants adapted to coastal conditions and implementing smart design strategies, you can enjoy a thriving, colorful garden that requires less water and maintenance than traditional landscapes.
The key is selecting the right plants for your specific conditions and giving them the support they need to establish strong roots. Once settled, these coastal champions will reward you with season after season of beautiful, low-maintenance color.