Dry Doesn’t Mean Dull
Sandy beds may be challenging, but they’re also full of creative potential. With a smart mix of colour and texture, you can turn a dry patch into a dynamic and inviting garden space.
Quick Answer: Use drought-tolerant plants with contrasting foliage and flower colours—like silver, green, purple and gold—plus grasses and groundcovers to add layers and movement.
1. Start with Structure
Good design begins with form and contrast.
Use evergreen shrubs (e.g. rosemary, cistus, Hebe) to anchor the space
Add ornamental grasses like Stipa or Festuca for vertical movement
Ground the planting with low mounds of thyme, lavender, or erigeron
2. Create Colour Themes That Suit the Setting
Mediterranean Warmth
Colours: Terracotta, purple, silver, soft green
Plants: Lavender, sage, thyme, euphorbia, ornamental grasses
Coastal Cool
Colours: Blue, white, pink, grey
Plants: Sea thrift, campanula, rock rose, Festuca glauca
Pollinator Paradise
Colours: Bold purples, yellows and oranges
Plants: Verbena bonariensis, yarrow, echinacea, marigold, salvia
3. Use Texture to Add Interest Year-Round
Mix fine textures (like feather grass or yarrow) with bolder leaves (e.g. phlomis or salvia)
Include spiky forms (eryngium, echium) next to mounding plants (nepeta, catmint)
Pair silver or grey foliage with lush greens for contrast
4. Layer Heights for Depth and Movement
| Height | Example Plants | Visual Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Tall (1.5m+) | Verbena, Miscanthus, Tamarix | Movement, airiness |
| Mid (0.5–1.5m) | Salvia, Echinacea, Lavender | Colour, form |
| Low (<0.5m) | Thyme, Erigeron, Sedum | Groundcover, cohesion |
5. Let the Plants Do the Work
Choose long-flowering, self-seeding species
Focus on low-input plants that suit your soil
Don’t over-plant—let each plant’s form shine
Bonus Tips for Visual Cohesion
Repeat key plants to unify the design
Use gravel or bark mulch to reflect light and frame plants
Add focal points like a bench, boulder or container
Internal & External Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use bold colours in a small space?
Yes—just repeat a limited palette for impact without clutter.
What colour mulch looks best?
Choose what suits your theme: grey gravel for coastal cool, bark for Mediterranean warmth.
Should I include seasonal plants?
Yes—but pair with evergreen structure for year-round interest.
Conclusion: Let Your Garden Glow
With sandy soil as your canvas, you have the perfect base for expressive colour and texture. By combining drought-tolerant plants and thoughtful layering, you can create a space that’s both low-maintenance and visually rich.
