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Southend Council: By the Sea

Smart beach huts, immaculate decking and subtle planting give a relaxed seaside feel

Show Gardens

Did you know...

  • A piece of maritime history comes to Hampton Court Palace: the decking is built from timbers salvaged from Southend’s iconic pier
  • The designer is also a Scout leader who has been working on this project with young offenders since November
  • The Southend gardens at the show aim to give young offenders new skills and opportunities in life

About the Garden 

Inspired by the coastline of Southend-on-Sea, the pier and the surrounding beach, the Southend Council ‘By The Sea’ garden offers a peaceful idyll situated by the coast. This relaxed and practical space features cool, calming blues and naturalistic planting.

A gravel path meanders through planting that reflects the sea’s waves and leads to a decking area, inspired by the local pier, which incorporates a section of railway track reminiscent of the original rails. The planting has been chosen to cope with a semi-exposed coastal location and is a mix of blue, purple, silver and white-flowered or foliage plants. Eucalyptus gunnii adds height to the garden and Buddleja davidii helps to balance the space and add fragrance.

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The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.