The Pines

Description: In nine years our one-acre plot has been transformed from a barren children’s playground with only mature pine trees and rhododendrons, to a colourful seaside garden. Our exposed coastal situation causes windburn in many supposedly hardy plants, so we have formed a windbreak for the borders with mixed shrubs including griselinia, hawthorn and photinia. Billowing grasses sit alongside perennials including helenium, euphorbia and agapanthus, all interspersed with tulips, lilies and alliums. The coastal theme is accentuated by cordyline, phormium, Fatsia japonica and eucalyptus. We have bark woodland paths, and our garden is a haven for birds, bees and butterflies.