Most of our plants are sown and grown within sight of the sea. Seeds are collected and cuttings taken from plants at the nursery. Some seed is bought from specialist suppliers and nurtured to maturity. Seeds are sown in peat-free compost and everything is done with as little environmental impact as possible.  Plants are chosen for their tolerance of coastal conditions, their beauty or just because the Coastal Gardener has a soft spot for them (emotionally not horticulturally!) Native coastal plants like sea kale (Crambe maritima) and thrift (Armeria maritima) are the survivors; thriving despite the winds and salt laden sea spray. Others like tree echiums may be tender inland but are happy at the coast enjoying the (mainly) frost free climate, extra sunshine and milder winters of the Isle of Wight.