The Coastal Garden

Explore the world's most stunning coastlines in this breathtaking collection of gardens by the sea

Creating gardens in harmony with their environment is a key aspect of garden design today. Nowhere is this more apparent than in gardens created on our coastlines, whether that be atop a rocky Mediterranean cliffside, tucked in a sheltered bay on Britain's south coast, or on the edge of a sandy beach in Australia. Rooted in their location and offering unforgettable water views, coastal gardens embody an atmosphere of tranquillity, beauty, and an intenseconnection with nature.

The Coastal Garden invites readers to explore 48 extraordinary private gardens set along the world's most iconic coastlines. These verdant spaces represent a broad variety of terrains, climates, and garden styles - from Bernard Trainor's design for a surfing family, overlooking the waves in sunny California, to Ulf Nordfjell's thoughtful, rambling garden on the southern coast of Sweden.

The gardens address one of four different contexts for coastal environments: gardens atop rocky cliffs, planting for resiliency, framing ocean views, and gardens on the beach. The four chapters open with an exploratory text on the theme by writer and editor Sorrel Everton. Each garden feature is then brought to life through striking, large-scale color photographs and a short informative text, also written by Everton. Descriptive image captions provide further context, including planting information and special design details.

Along with in-depth garden features, an introduction by acclaimed plantsman and designer Nigel Dunnett offers insights into both the natural obstacles and incredible benefits of coastal gardens. A garden directory at the back, organized geographically, allows for easy reference.

Beautifully produced and filled with inspiration, The Coastal Garden will transport home gardeners, professional designers, and armchair travelers to these exceptional green spaces overlooking our oceans and seas.

Featured garden designers include: Paul Bangay, Louis Benech, Isabel Duprat, Jennifer Gay, Daniel Hinkley, Phillip Johnson, Raymond Jungles, Ron Lutsko, Jean Mus, Watson + Pellacini, Rees Roberts + Partners, and STIMSON

Featured garden photographers include: Heidi Bertish, Richard Bloom, Jason Ingram, Marianne Majerus, Clive Nichols, and Claire Takacs

Phaidon Editors

Nigel Dunnett is Professor of Planting Design and Urban Horticulture in the Department of Landscape at the University of Sheffield and is one of the world's leading voices on innovative approaches in planting design.

Sorrel Everton is a garden writer and editor based in Bristol, UK. She is a former deputy editor of Gardens Illustrated and has written for recent garden title The Contemporary Garden (Phaidon, 2025).