Designing for Life on the Coast
Coastal gardening isn’t for the faint of heart. Salt spray, sandy soils, intense sun, high winds, humidity, and even the occasional cold snap can quickly challenge both new and experienced gardeners. That’s exactly why Landscape Plants for the Gulf and South Atlantic Coasts: Selection, Establishment, and Maintenance continues to be such an important resource.
Authored by Robert J. Black and Edward F. Gilman, both emeritus professors of environmental horticulture at the University of Florida, this guide focuses on a topic that remains increasingly relevant as more people move to waterfront communities across the Gulf and South Atlantic regions.
Migration to coastal areas continues, and so do the landscaping challenges that come with it. Plants that might thrive inland often struggle near the shore. Salinity is usually the most persistent stressor. However, salinity is rarely the only challenge.
A Resource for Homeowners and Professionals Alike
Black and Gilman walk readers through how to address these hurdles with practical, research-based guidance. Beginning with foundational gardening principles, they provide step-by-step information on plant selection, best landscape uses, cultural requirements, and long-term maintenance. The book covers watering, fertilization, pruning, and other essential care considerations for salt-tolerant plants.
With colorful photographs of more than 400 plants, this comprehensive guide serves as both a planning tool and a visual reference. Compact and easy to use, this guide supports coastal homeowners and landscape professionals. Landscape architects, designers, installers, maintenance crews, and retail nursery staff will all find it useful. Even inland gardeners dealing with saltwater intrusion can benefit from its guidance.
Even though it’s not a new release, its relevance has not diminished. Coastal gardening doesn’t have to feel like a constant battle with salt and sand. With the right plant choices and management strategies, it can become one of the most rewarding environments to design.
Find Landscape Plants for the Gulf and South Atlantic Coasts at the UF/IFAS Bookstore and start planning a landscape that thrives where land meets sea.
Print length: 256 pages, Language: English, Publisher: University Press of Florida, Publication date: June 30, 2004, Dimensions: 7.02 x 0.6 x 9.94 inches
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