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Coastal Landscape Design Sydney | Coastal Garden Designer Sydney

Coastal Landscape Design For Sydney Outdoor Living

Coastal landscape design

  • STYLE – Modern Coastal Design For Front Garden
  • LOCATION – Dover Heights NSW
  • DESIGNER – Deb Meyer, Vogue & Vine
This modern coastal home in Sydney’s Dover Heights had a front garden where we included coastal landscape design combined with elements of a Japanese/Zen inspired garden.

The priority was a drought tolerant and low maintenance garden that created a calm entrance to the family home.

The plant palette included a range of coastal plants, including the dramatic Alcanterea imperialis (Imperial Bromeliade). 

Different foliage colours and textures of both native and exotic varieties were included into the coastal landscape design – all suited to second line salt conditions.

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Coastal garden designer Sydney

DESIGN

  • Curved corten steel edging was used to give a clean modern design to help create the coastal front garden look. 
  • We provide a coastal feel and tranquility to the home’s entrance by using drought tolerant Australian plants combined with modern Australian natives.
  • Tumbled stone pavers were used as stepping stones, along with the addition of Cowra white pebbles. To add a sense of grandeur we brought in some large Sydney Sandstone rocks.
  • The end result opened up the small garden space by only using one large olive tree as the focal point with lower lying coastal plants – enhancing the sense of space while providing a casual coastal feel. 

Coastal landscape services

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We create beautiful balcony living spaces for coastal apartments.

Combining small garden design ideas with outdoor styling for modern coastal apartment living.

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Coastal townhouses and large apartments have more compact gardens.

Our space saving design ideas can transform your coastal courtyard into a stunning outdoor room.

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Your coastal backyard garden can be transformed into the ultimate outdoor getaway.

By combining inspiring plant design with modern entertaining ideas for your ultimate coastal backyard.

Sydney Landscape Consultants

Our on-site coastal design consultation is tailored to help you with general advice OR as the foundation for your full coastal landscape design project.

Discover our consultation options here

FAQ

The best plants for Sydney’s coastal gardens are salt-tolerant, drought-resistant species. 

Great coastal choices include:

Westringia, Lomandra longifolia, Agave attenuata, Aloe striata, Kangaroo Paw, and Crassula ovata

These plants handle are able to handle strong sea breeze, bright sun and sandy soils while also adding structure and year-round texture.

Yes, it is possible to protect a coastal garden from strong wind & salt exposure.

These are the best tips to do so:

  • Layer planting to create natural protection. 
  • Use hardy screening species such as Coastal Rosemary or Casuarina ‘Cousin It’ as the first line of defence, 
  • Mix in softer textures like grasses and succulents. 
  • Use durable pots and marine-grade materials to prevent corrosion in Sydney’s seaside conditions.

Sydney’s modern coastal landscape design uses a refined yet relaxed aesthetic. Ifeels casual but highly considered – blending natural textures, layered planting & sculptural elements to complement the ocean backdrop.

Hardscape elements include pale stone paving, bleached timber or teak furniture, and lightweight concrete outdoor pots in neutral tones. 

Planting is typically structured but soft — combining hardy architectural forms like Agave attenuata or Aloe striata with flowing grasses, Lomandra, Crassula, and silver-green foliage

Outdoor structures and shade solutions are designed to provide sheltered spaces for entertaining. 

The result is a well designed outdoor environment that feels casual and connected to Sydney’s coastal lifestyle.

Designing a coastal garden for a balcony or courtyard in Sydney in suburbs like Coogee, Bondi or Manly is about balancing resilience, texture and a casual a sense of calm connection to the sea.

EXPOSURE

Start by considering exposure. These areas often face strong sun, salt spray and coastal winds. Choose hardy, architectural plants that can thrive in these conditions yet remain visually soft and layered. 

In Coogee or Bondi’s exposed terraces, species like Agave attenuata, Aloe striata, Lomandra longifolia and Crassula ovata work beautifully. 

For shaded courtyards, Rhapis palm, Blue Star Fern and Neomarica gracilis add contrast and privacy screening.

POTS & TROUGHS

Use lightweight concrete pots in soft coastal tones such as white or charcoal. 

Adding different heights to create depth. For example in Manly’s coastal courtyards use a cluster of three large pots planted with sculptural plants & spillover underplanted with Rhipsalis or Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE & STYLING

Furniture and styling should feel casual using teak, woven rattan, or powder-coated aluminium pieces that withstand sea air. Layer with outdoor cushions and a textured rug to create an inviting, indoor-outdoor flow.

 

The goal is to create a mood of a relaxed coastal retreat, where every detail feels both curated yet casual. Tailored to the Sydney lifestyle.