A treasure trove of design ideas for casual summer gardens by the sea showing the creativity of leading tastemakers—from rambling meadows of wild grasses to structured parterres.

This volume captures the low-key charm and natural splendor of shoreline plantings. Lots of inspirational ideas for outdoor spaces can be gleaned from the featured gardens of notable lifestyle designers, including Peter Schlesinger’s romantic nineteenth-century Woodacres estate; a modern house on the bay owned by architects Vishaan Chakrabarti and Maria Alataris with natural grasses and plantings; and a classically designed garden by landscape architect Brian Sawyer with boxwood hedging and hollyhocks. 

Featured are outdoor rooms for relaxing and entertaining and practical solutions for various aspects of gardening—from hedging and herb and flower-cutting gardens to paths and paving and gates of wood and willow. Several inspiring pools and pool houses, garden sheds, and garden ornaments are included. Entrance and front door landscaping are also addressed. There is advice throughout from the seaside experts, including John Beitel, lists of plants for gardens, and resources for the best all-weather furnishings and garden equipment are provided.

About The Author

Tricia Foley is a lifestyle authority and designer, whose clients have included Ralph Lauren Home and Wedgwood. Foley’s design work has been featured in such publications as Elle Decor and Martha Stewart Living. She is the author of numerous lifestyle books, among them Life/Style, and the director of the Bellport-Brookhaven Historical Museum. Marili Forastieri is an interiors and lifestyle photographer whose work has appeared in many publications, including Hamptons Cottages and Gardens.