| Ornamental grass are great choices for the shore. They rustle in the wind and seem happy in sandy soil. Annuals and perennials prefer more soil substance so to ensure the success and longevity of your plants, first amended soil with 6 or more inches of organic matter such as compost, old rotted leaves, or aged manure mixed with straw. Each year, add more organic matter and mulch the plantings well. A drip irrigation system will help the plants get well established. Here are some annuals to consider for full sun: marigolds, zinnias, nicotiana, tithonia, salvia, nierembergia, cleome, morning glories, ornamental sweet potato vines, and other annual vines (except sweet peas), cosmos, geraniums, and amaranthus. For shady areas, try the impatiens, coleus, and caladiums. Perennials to consider would be salvia, dianthus "Bath's Pink", gladiolus, dahlia, purple fountain grass, purple cone flower, liatris, perovskia, coreopsis, daylilies (hemerocallis), lavender, ornamental grasses, sedums, and perennial geraniums. Trees to consider include hemlock, blue spruce, pin oak and scarlet oak. I hope this gives you some ideas. |
