Key plants for a coastal location
1 Amsonia tabernaemontana var. salicifolia
One of the real heroes of the garden for its shape and structure, with blue flowers in summer and narrow, willow-like leaves that turn yellow in autumn. 60cm. RHS H5, USDA 3a-9b†.
2 Salvia nemorosa ‘Amethyst’
Introduces dainty prettiness to the garden, and works well with the Persicaria. 60cm. AGM*. RHS H7.
3 Hylotelephium ‘Matrona’
Stonecrops, usually in their shorter forms, grow widely in Dungeness. Hylotelephium ‘Matrona’ has been a real success in that it provides bold architectural structure at a time when the garden is waning, with exquisite browny-pink heads picking up the flowers of Persicaria as they turn from pink to deep red. 60cm. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3a-9b.
4 Elaeagnus ‘Quicksilver’
This delightful Eleagnus is so different from the rest of the genus and makes an elegant, silver backdrop to the garden. It grows happily here and makes good screening without feeling heavy. 4m. RHS H5, USDA 3a-7b.
5 Thymus ‘Doone Valley’
Thyme is one of Emily’s all-time favourite plants, and she finds the aromatic ‘Doone Valley’ has lovely structure and flowers. 10cm. RHS H5.
6 Digitalis parviflora
This plant, with its brownish-red flowers, picks up the rustiness of the old bits of architecture on the beach 60cm. AGM. RHS H5.
7 Sesleria autumnalis
A good counterfoil to lots of different colours, particularly early in the season, but also in the autumn, when its flower
heads look wonderful. 60cm. RHS H7, USDA 5a-8b. 8 Rosemarinus officinalis
With its aromatic leaves and bushy habit, rosemary is invaluable for fragrance and good mid-green structure. 2m. RHS H4, USDA 8a-10b.
9 Persicaria affinis ‘Darjeeling Red’
A very versatile and underrated plant. Excellent for edging and to introduce simple structure. It gives so much value throughout the year. 25cm. AGM. RHS H7.
10 Santolina chamaecyparissus
One of Emily’s go-to favourite plants. She loves the leaf structure, although she sometimes cuts off the yellow flowers if they don’t complement the scheme. Here, however, it works on every level. 60cm. RHS H5, USDA 6a-9b.
11 Iris sibirica ‘Silver Edge’
A surprising choice in a gravel garden, but it does well. The bold early colour works with the creamy, sea kale heads and the yellow Helichrysum. After flowering, they provide strong seedheads. 1.2m. AGM. RHS H7.
12 Achillea ‘Moonshine’
This looks very at home in a seaside setting and creates horizontal shapes that give mid-level interest. 60cm. AGM. RHS H7, USDA 3a-4b.
13 Mentha spicata
Added by the owners for making tea, but it looks so lovely that it has earned its place. 60cm. RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b.
14 Crambe maritima
Sea kale is an underused but versatile plant for many garden situations. 75cm. RHS H7, USDA 5a-9b. *Holds an Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. † Hardiness ratings given where available.