Backyard Beach Landscaping

Sand Dunes

• Sand is part of any beach landscaping, so designate an area of the yard to transform into sand dunes. Spread out the sand as desired, but leave enough room around the perimeter of the sand for planting. Since plants don't grow well in sandy soil, plant flowers or grass in nutrient-rich soil around your beach retreat. Along the perimeter, randomly plant geraniums and fountain grass around the sand and lay out driftwood along the edge of the sand to act as a border for your retreat.

Coastal Patio

• If your budget doesn't allow for a major landscaping overhaul, add coastal plants and flowers to large containers and place them around the patio. Fill a wide container halfway up with potting soil, and then add ice plant, fountain grass, geraniums or yellow lupines. Fill the rest of the planter up with sand and add a few pieces of driftwood or seashells to complete the look.

Colorful Coastal Landscaping

• Transform any garden in the backyard into one reminiscent of the coast. Whether you add a sandy area to the yard or not, plant a variety of colorful shrubs and flowers along walkways or fences and walls. Lantana comes in vibrant colors of yellow, pink and orange and spreads out, which fills in sparse areas of the yard. Plant yellow lupines, beach daisies and daylilies -- all found in coastal landscapes -- in a beach garden or around your pool or pond.

Vines

• Cover up unsightly walls with vines often found in coastal locations. English ivy and Virginia creeper cover walls with green foliage, while bougainvillea and jasmine offer the landscape fragrance and color through the many blossoms that appear on the vines. Add vines to a trellis to offer privacy for entryways to the home, or encourage the vines to grow on arbors over an outdoor patio.