How to Landscape for a Beach Theme

Sketch a layout of your home and yard to scale on graph paper. A beach landscape will have a haphazard mix of vegetation. Consider where you can place plantings and in what groups and whether you would like to add a small water feature, such as a pond.

Select plants to incorporate. Plants that work well in a beach-themed landscape include a mix of ornamental grasses and wildflowers.

Prepare the area to be landscaped. Remove weeds and any other debris. Till the soil and add fertilizer in preparation for new plantings.

Place new plants in the ground. Follow the planting instructions that come with each species of plant you've selected.

Install circular posts. Frame newly planted beds with circular posts that are reminiscent of dock or pier posts. Use a post hole digger to create holes in the ground that are two to three feet apart. Install a two-foot post into each hole and pack the removed dirt around them to secure them in place.

Create a walkway. Place circular or square patio pavers on the ground--slate, flagstone or compressed rocks are all ideal choices. Lay them so that there are gaps between each one and they are easy to reach with each step. Fill in the gaps around the pavers with sand.

Incorporate outdoor furniture. For seating, use Adirondack chairs, chaise lounges and rattan couches. Hang a hammock from a tree or set out one that is free-standing. For outdoor dining, use a rattan or teak dining table and chairs.

Accessorize the yard. Tiki torches will give your yard a tropical, beach feel. Place beach colorful beach towels on the back of chairs. Place seashells and dried starfish in the garden and on tables.