Beach Gardens

Pretty but Practical

Sandy soil doesn't limit your gardening options to yuccas, however. For plants that prefer non-sandy soil, such as blue fanflower and snapdragons, Barbara uses black plastic pots that she sinks in the sand, then brings in for winter.

This innovative idea can be adapted for any nonhardy landscape specimen. At left, hardy perennials (including ice plant, lavender, ornamental grass, and feathery artemisia) supply diverse textures and tones. Another key is knowing which nurseries have the latest and rarest plants.