Plant Recommendation for a Seaside Garden Needed

[Emagggie]

I would like to buy a plant for a special friend who lives by the sea in Kent. When I say by the sea, I mean about 50 yards from the beach!! I know she has had a problem keeping anything much alive in the (tiny) garden which backs east.
Can anyone recommend something suitable please?

[Emagggie]

[kanan]

i like it too

[Emagggie]

Like what kanan?

[Tulipa]

Emagggie, there are a few recommendations here...

http://www.crocus.co.uk/features/_/articles-and-advice/what's-your-style/seaside/articleid.1004/

or this one should come up as coastal...

http://www.crocus.co.uk/plants/_/right-plant/vid.166/

Might be good for suggestions, I have never ordered from them but they always have a good selection for ideas.

Good luck

T.x

[Flighty]

If you know her postcode then try this

http://www.nhm.ac.uk/nature-online/life/plants-fungi/postcode-plants/index.html

[Bjerreby]

Gorse and cow parsley thrive  ;D

[Barnowl]

I think Seakale might be ok
http://www.moreveg.co.uk/shop/catalog/details?shop_param=aid%3DSEAKA%26

[1066]

Emaggie - have you ever seen pics of Derek Jarmans garden, he was also in Kent (dungeness) and the garden was very open to the sea / beach.  I currently don't have the book to hand (packed away at the mo) but I remember sea kale, poppies. 
Depending on how special the friend (and your budget!) Tamarisk trees are great, eryngium (great seed heads), agave, and I think sage also works in those conditions
1066

[Barnowl]

Sorry, I was thinking edible plants  :-X

[tim]

Poppies, certainly - Escallonia, Sea Holly?

Oh, sorry - that's Eryngium!

[ACE]

valerian

[tim]

Of course - & so 'country'.

[Emagggie]

Thanks everyone, plenty to go at there.   ;D

[zigzig]

I saw a programme where there was an Irish farmer who grew Artichokes by the sea. On rough land.

The foliage is fine and they produce a flower which attracts insects.

I think I read that Asparagus likes sandy soil too. The ferns look pretty and if you do not want to eat them, are great for flower arranging.

Both seem to come up every year.

It is the sea spray which can get carried by the wind brings salt with it and that is what will kill things off rather than the soil it's self, even things in containers with good compost in do not tend to thrive.

Coconut palms grow in all sorts of places on the beach, don't think they would last long if your mate is in the UK though, bit chilly.