What New Jersey Sand Dunes Can Teach Us About Resilient Landscape Design

Finding inspiration for Low-Maintenance Landscaping Along the Main Line, while down the shore

If you’ve spent any time along the Jersey Shore this summer, you’ve probably through sand dunes while headed to the beach without thinking twice. Pulling wagons full of toys, chairs, and umbrellas while managing kids can be more than to manage while getting to the beach. If you’re able to take a closer look while you walk through the dunes, you’ll see one of the most resilient, self-sustaining ecosystems in our region.

In the midst of shifting sand, blustery wind, and exposure to sun, a thriving landscape of grasses, shrubs and trees offers valuable lessons for homeowners across the Philadelphia region, especially those looking for low maintenance and resilient garden designs.

Resilient Landscaping Ideas Inspired by Nature

Sand dunes showcase how ecosystems and landscapes can be layered, adaptive, and incredibly diverse all while thriving under tough conditions.

A Natural Progression: From Shoreline to Shade

As landscape designers working along the Main Line, we’re always looking for ways to combine beauty, sustainability, and long-term success in the garden. And one of the most powerful design references is the coastal dune.

The beauty of a dune lies in its structure: a perfect example of layered landscape that adapts as it moves inland.

Here’s what we can take away from it:

1. Groundcover and Grasses: The First Line of Defense

Closest to the ocean, you’ll see hardy stands of American beach grass (Ammophila breviligulata) anchoring the sand. These are the unsung heroes, protecting the shoreline from erosion, catching and settling sand as it is blown along the beach, and beginning the ecological succession.

In a home landscape, beach grass can inspire a naturalistic, drought-tolerant groundcover layer. While not suited to every yard, its function can be echoed and applied with other low maintenance native groundcovers like:

• Phlox subulata Creeping Phlox

• Golden Fleece Goldenrod

• Homestead Purple Verbena

• Prairie Dropseed Grass as a lower/edging plant

This first layer plays a critical role in covering and stabilizing soil, supporting pollinators, and adding soft texture and color.

2. The Shrub and Perennial Layer: Structure and Seasonal Interest

Just beyond the grasses, dunes transition into a dense layer of shrubs and sprawling native perennials. This zone is rich in diversity and seasonal interest.

Some of our favorite resilient natives from this layer include: Northern Bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica) – glossy foliage, fragrant and salt tolerant; Seaside Goldenrod (Solidago sempervirens) – late season pollinator magnet; Virginia Creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) – fast growing native vine with stunning fall color

Along the Main Line, a shrub layer can reflect those dune species with plants adapated for inland conditions:

• Inkberry Holly with soft leaves that are evergreen

• Red Twig Dogwoods with seasonal foliage and bright red stems through winter

• Brandywine Viburnum for lush foliage turning red in fall and clusters of berris.

• Switchgrass and Little Bluestem as upright grass accents to the shrub layer

This mix offers beauty, erosion control, and food for wildlife — all key ingredients in resilient landscape design.

3. The Tree Layer: Shade, Habitat, and Stability

As you move further inland in the dunes, the landscape begins to support small native trees — adding height, habitat, and long-term structure.

Some of these dune species can translate directly into the home landscape, including:

• American Holly (Ilex opaca)

• Eastern Redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)

• Red Maple (Acer rubrum)

These trees offer four season interest and help define space in larger properties.

What Dunes Remind Us About Designing with Nature

Dune ecosystems aren't just beautiful, they’re built for survival. They manage water, handle harsh conditions, and support complex wildlife communities without the need for constant maintenance or inputs.

That’s the exact approach we take in our work at Union Landscape Design.

Whether you’re on the coast or in a neighborhood on the Main Line, we believe in designing spaces that echo nature’s resilience. Layered, low maintenance, and rich in native plant diversity.

Looking for a Landscape That’s Built to Last

If you’re searching for resilient landscaping ideas, native plants for the Main Line and Philadelphia area, or simply a more natural way to design your yard, we’d love to help.

Union Landscape Design creates thoughtful, layered, and beautiful gardens that thrive in our local climate. Reach out to discuss your project.