We're excited to share our latest project at a home in Sorrento, where we've delivered a variety of top-notch trees to match the home's stunning coastal setting. We chose these trees for their ability to thrive in sandy soil and salty breezes without needing much care. Take a look at the selection we curated to enhance this picturesque property.
Shop This Coastal Look
Laurus Nobilis - Bay Trees:
We supplied the advanced 'Miles Choice' Bay Trees, chosen for their ability to add lush greenery up the driveway, serve as a natural windbreak, and ensure privacy along the boundary line. Bay Trees are incredibly resilient, thriving in a variety of soils, including the sandy conditions typical of coastal areas, thanks to their Mediterranean origins.
In addition to their robust nature, Bay Trees offer the added benefit of being evergreen, providing year-round color and structure to the landscape. Their glossy, aromatic leaves can also be used in cooking, bringing a functional aspect to their aesthetic appeal. Moreover, their dense foliage supports local biodiversity by offering shelter and food to birds and beneficial insects. This combination of beauty, practicality, and ecological support makes Bay Trees an excellent choice for enhancing coastal gardens.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Privacy and wind protection
- Mature Size: 7-8m by 4-5m
- Growth: Moderate, upright
- Foliage: Glossy, evergreen
- Maintenance: Low
Olea Europea Manzanillo (Cloud Pruned):
Olea Europea was planted near the Bay Trees and the fence of the pool, pruned into a neat and compact ball shape. It’s a strong choice for the garden, dealing well with the salty air and sandy soil. This tree is all about making a statement without needing constant attention, providing a clear, structured element to the space.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Statement piece
- Mature Size: Pruning-dependent
- Growth: Slow, sculptural
- Foliage: Silvery, evergreen
- Maintenance: Low
Raphiolepsis Indica 'Oriental Pearl':
Planted under the Manzanillo, these add lush layers to the garden's greenery. They're bulletproof when it comes to salty air and make for a great low-lying structure.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Understory planting
- Mature Size: 1-2m by 1-2m
- Growth: Slow, rounded
- Foliage: Dark green, evergreen
- Maintenance: Low
We've positioned the Banksia near the tennis court for its natural flair and ability to soften the wind's impact. These natives aren't just about utility—they bring a spectacular display of native Australian flowers in yellows and browns to the mix and are seriously drought-resistant.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Windbreak, feature
- Mature Size: 4-5m by 3-4m
- Growth: Moderate, spreading
- Foliage: Dark green, serrated
- Maintenance: Minimal
The Magnolia 'Little Gem' are scattered around the garden and used for its classic elegance along the fence line, contrasting its deep green and creamy blooms with the fence's white. It’s a stunner that also loves a protected coastal spot.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Screening, ornamentation
- Mature Size: 3-4m by 2-3m
- Growth: Moderate, compact
- Foliage: Glossy, evergreen
- Maintenance: Low
Kentia Palm: Nothing says 'coastal' like a Kentia Palm. These bring a tropical vibe and are surprisingly robust for such graceful trees. They’re perfect for adding height and movement to the garden.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Tropical accent
- Mature Size: 8-10m by 2-3m
- Growth: Slow
- Foliage: Dark green, feathery
- Maintenance: Moderate
Prunus Lusitanica - Portuguese Laurel: In the front garden, these laurels tidy up the space with their dense foliage. They're adaptable to coastal soils and keep things looking neat and formal.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Hedge, formal planting
- Mature Size: 3-4m by 2-3m
- Growth: Moderate, dense
- Foliage: Glossy, evergreen
- Maintenance: Regular pruning
Tristaniopsis Laurina 'Luscious': For the southern boundary, we chose 'Luscious' for its robustness and wind-breaking qualities. They're salt-tolerant and make for a lush, green boundary that's tough as nails.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Boundary planting, windbreak
- Mature Size: 5-6m by 3-4m
- Growth: Moderate, upright
- Foliage: Dark green, glossy
- Maintenance: Low
Trachelospermum Jasminoides Balls: By the pool, we’ve got these shaped into neat balls for a touch of elegance. They’re fragrant and keep things looking tidy, plus they attract friendly bees and butterflies.
Key Facts:
- Uses: Ornamental, fragrance
- Mature Size: Pruned to shape
- Growth: Moderate, compact
- Foliage: Dark green, glossy
- Maintenance: Regular shaping
Conclusion
That wraps up our showcase of the stunning selection of trees we've introduced to this Sorrento home. Each variety was chosen not only for its resilience and ability to thrive in the coastal environment but also for the unique qualities it brings to the landscape. From the practical wind-breaking Laurus Nobilis to the sculptural Olea Europea Manzanillo, and the tropical allure of the Kentia Palm, these trees were curated to create a diverse yet coherent outdoor space.
