The Esplanade, Mornington Project
A layered beachside landscape by Robert Boden Design, using coastal-tolerant trees to create structure, protection, and a clear narrative through the garden.
Located along the Mornington coastline, The Esplanade project was designed to perform in a truly exposed setting, where sea breezes, salt-laden winds and sandy soils are part of daily life. Led by Robert Boden Design, the planting was selected to thrive in coastal conditions while delivering structure, privacy and year-round greenery. The result is a calm, layered landscape that protects key zones and frames the architecture without compromising the openness of the site.
Site Conditions
Coastal exposure: Strong winds, salt-laden air and full sun
Soil type: Sandy, free-draining, with minimal organic content
Maintenance requirement: Low intervention, high structure
Design Intent
Performance in exposure: A palette chosen for resilience to salt, wind and fast-draining soils.
Privacy and wind protection: Screening placed to shield living areas while maintaining a coastal outlook.
Year-round structure: Evergreen form and reliable density to keep the garden composed in every season.
A clear garden narrative: Planting used to create rhythm, transitions and moments of focus across the site.
Trees & Plants Used
Screening Hedge
Cupressus leylandii 'Leighton Green'
Leighton Green
Used as tall evergreen screening to define boundaries and provide privacy, creating a strong green framework that softens the architecture.
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Feature Tree
Betula pendula 'Moss White'
Silver Birch
Introduces lightness with pale trunks and a fine canopy, bringing height and a soft focal point among the coastal planting.
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Feature Tree
Cercis canadensis 'Forest Pansy'
Forest Pansy
Adds rich burgundy foliage for depth and seasonal colour, contrasting against the evergreen structure around it.
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Feature Palm
Phoenix canariensis
Canary Island Date Palm
Provides bold architectural presence, reinforcing the coastal character and creating a striking focal point in the composition.
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