Coastal Landscaping Ideas for the Sunshine Coast

Do you live near the beach on the Sunshine Coast and wish your garden looked as good as the view? Coastal homes have a special charm, but the salty air, strong winds, and sandy soil can make gardening feel a bit tricky. The good news is, with the right ideas and plant choices, coastal landscaping on the Sunshine Coast can be both beautiful and low-maintenance. By using salt-tolerant plants, smart garden layouts, and materials that withstand the coastal climate, you can create a space that looks great year-round.

Let’s go through simple beachside garden tips to help you design a garden that not only survives, but thrives, in coastal conditions.

7 Simple ways to design a garden that loves coastal conditions

Here are some easy, practical ideas to help your garden thrive in the salty air, wind, and sun of the Sunshine Coast.

1. Choose plants that love salt and wind

In coastal landscaping on the Sunshine Coast, plant choice is everything. Look for tough, salt-tolerant plants that don’t mind sea breeze or sandy soil, such as:

• Coastal grasses and lomandra
• Westringia (coastal rosemary)
• Pigface and other groundcovers
• Banksias and coastal wattles

These plants are used to harsh beachside conditions, so they stay greener and healthier with less effort from you.

2. Protect your garden with “green windbreaks”

Beachside homes often face strong winds that dry out the soil and damage plants. Instead of a solid fence only, use plants as living windbreaks.

• Plant taller shrubs or small trees on the side that faces the ocean.
• Use hardy hedging plants that can handle wind and salt.
• Layer plant heights: taller plants at the back, medium in the middle, low groundcovers at the front.

It creates a softer, more natural-looking barrier and gives your garden extra protection.

3. Improve sandy soil so plants can grow better

Many Sunshine Coast gardens have sandy, fast-draining soil. It means water runs through quickly, and plants can dry out. To help your plants:

• Mix compost or organic matter into the soil before planting.
• Add a layer of mulch on top to keep moisture in and protect roots.
• Use slow-release fertiliser suited to coastal or native plants.

Better soil means stronger roots, healthier plants, and a garden that withstands hot, windy days better.

4. Use layers and texture to create a natural beach feel 

Coastal gardens don’t need to be formal. They look best when they feel relaxed and natural, like the dunes near the beach. Try:

• Mixing different leaf shapes and colours (fine grasses, bold succulents, soft shrubs).
• Planting in groups, not single plants on their own.
• Letting plants flow in gentle curves rather than straight lines.

The style suits coastal landscaping on the Sunshine Coast and blends nicely with the surrounding environment.

5. Choose hard-wearing materials for paths and features

The coastal climate can be tough on garden materials. Salt, wind, and moisture can wear things down faster. Good options include:

• Gravel or crushed rock paths
• Natural stone or concrete pavers
• Composite or treated decking designed for outdoor use
• Rust-resistant metals for screens and features

These choices keep your beachside garden looking good for longer with less maintenance.

6. Plan low-maintenance watering and care

Coastal gardens don’t have to be high-maintenance. In fact, the right design can save you a lot of work.

• Group plants with similar water needs together.
• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to reduce water waste.
• Choose mostly drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant plants.

This way, your garden can handle dry spells better and still stay green and healthy.

7. Add comfortable spaces to enjoy the view

A beautiful garden is not just for looking at from inside the house. Make sure you create spaces where you can sit and relax. You might:

• Add a small deck or paved area with outdoor chairs.
• Use built-in seating along a garden edge.
• Place benches or a daybed where you can enjoy the sea breeze.

By combining smart plant choices with simple outdoor living areas, your coastal landscaping on the Sunshine Coast becomes an extension of your home, and a place you’ll actually use and enjoy.

Let your coastal garden thrive, not struggle

When you choose the right salt-tolerant plants, improve your sandy soil, and protect your space from wind, your garden thrives in Sunshine Coast conditions.

If you’re not sure where to start, you don’t have to do it alone. The Zones Landscaping team can help you plan and build a coastal landscaping design that suits your home, lifestyle, and local conditions. 

From plant selection and garden layout to outdoor living areas and long-term maintenance ideas, they’ll handle the tricky parts so you can enjoy a relaxed, beachside garden.

Get in touch with Zones Landscaping Australia and start planning your ideal beachside garden today.