A Beach House Garden

1l, 2: Phlox subulata; 3l: Carex; 3r: Salvia

This summer, we're keeping things simple in shoreside gardens with plantings of single specimens in textured, all-weather vessels like our classic Barnacle collection. Each monoculture planting is pretty enough to stand alone, but they're even better when grouped together to form a colorful container garden for the deck or porch. Read on to learn more about the beachfront blooms we're loving this year.

Phlox subulata: Also known as "moss phlox," this spring-blooming perennial can flower in shades of red, violet, pink, and white. A native species in the eastern US, it prefers full sun and can tolerate hot, dry conditions better than most phlox varieties. Its low-growing habit makes it an excellent choice for ground cover, while clusters of fragrant blooms attract butterflies to the garden. 

Carex: A perennial sedge variety, this tufted grass adds texture and color to the garden with spiky foliage in a vivid shade of green. With almost 2,000 species in the Carex genus, these dense grasses can be found across the globe, from wetlands to alpine climates. Most varieties prefer consistent soil moisture and partial shade, and can be evergreen in warm, southern regions.

Salvia: Part of the mint family, this woody herb enjoys a long blooming season with tall spikes of cheerful, lavender blossoms. Most varieties are drought tolerant and grow best in full sun areas with well-drained soil. Resistant to deer and rabbits, these low-maintenance blooms attract bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds throughout the summer.