Seaside Gardening Guide

See what’s growing in these enchanting spaces by the sea.

10 Ways to Create a Backyard Oasis

We asked Miami landscape architect Raymond Jungles, who’s known for this lush, low-fuss gardens, to share his secrets for turning any yard into a tropical retreat.

If stone is not readily available or too costly, a similar textured finish can result from sprinkling coarse rock salt over wet concrete and pressing it into the surface.

Photographer Roger Foley, , Writer Brooks Whitney Phillips

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3. Incorporate Natural Stone Accents

“When I’m designing a garden on Nevis or Mustique or Antigua, I use the island’s natural stone,” says Raymond. “In Florida, it’s limestone or key stone, which has a lot of coral reef in it.” If stone is not readily available or too costly, a similar textured finish can result from sprinkling coarse rock salt over wet concrete and pressing it into the surface. In place of ground cover or between pavers and stones, use black river rock, a common element in tropical landscapes.