Coastal
Overview
This jungle-style garden design in Seasalter, Kent was created for a striking beachside property on the Kent coast. With a south-facing aspect and strong connection to outdoor living, the brief was to design an immersive, holiday-inspired garden that feels lush, architectural, and deeply relaxing.
The result is a contemporary coastal garden that combines bold planting, flexible social spaces, and materials suited to seaside conditions.
The Brief
The clients were passionate about architectural planting, particularly bamboo, and wanted their Seasalter garden design to evoke the atmosphere of destinations they had enjoyed while travelling. The garden needed to feel like a private retreat, supporting both relaxation and entertaining.
Key requirements included:
A hot tub integrated into the garden design
Generous lounge seating for relaxed outdoor living
A dedicated dining area
A bold, jungle-style planting scheme
Spaces that flow naturally from the interior of the house to the garden
Maximising the south-facing aspect and coastal setting was central to the design approach.
The Solution
The main social terrace was carefully planned to create a seamless transition between the house and garden. An automated shade canopy provides protection from the midday sun and incorporates integrated heaters and lighting, extending the use of the terrace into cooler days and evening gatherings.
The hot tub is encased within a bespoke cedar bench and daybed, which doubles as access steps and provides partial screening when viewed from the house. This design ensures the hot tub feels both integrated and discreet within the wider garden.
Large-format porcelain paving was selected for the main patios and stepping-stone paths, visually connecting the central lawn with the surrounding planting beds. A composite deck introduces a warm, comfortable surface underfoot, ideal for barefoot use and informal lounging.
Features
Each planting bed is defined by upright timber sleepers, creating a strong rhythmic structure that enhances and contains the bold planting. Bamboo and other architectural plants deliver height, movement, and a dense, jungle-like atmosphere, well suited to the coastal climate.
Discreet, layered lighting has been carefully integrated to illuminate foliage after dark, extending the enjoyment of the garden into the evening and reinforcing its immersive, resort-like feel.
The Result
The completed Seasalter garden design is a confident, contemporary jungle garden that transforms coastal outdoor space into a private retreat. Combining bold planting, flexible outdoor living zones, and durable materials, the garden fully embraces its Kent coastal setting while offering year-round enjoyment.
This project was delivered in collaboration with Hythe Garden Landscapes, who were awarded Silver Merit for Landscaping at the Association of Professional Landscaper Awards 2025.
