I'm not sure what's going on in your bed there -- grasses, for sure, and they are appropriate for an oceanside setting. Looks to me like a strong structural element is needed. Two ideas -- and I am uncertain if both are hardy in your zone -- Norfolk Island Pine, and/or Trachycarpus.

Here is a link that might be useful: Trachycarpus

I've only seen this on HGTV, but there was one show that highlighted surfboards as part of the landscape.

When we visited Cancun years ago, I knew our pool had to be white sand, and turquoise water. I knew it had to include multiple umbrellas to get that resort feel.

We achieved that in the BACK yard overlooking the golf course with an infinity edge pool, with a sun shelf full of umbrella holes so you can sit under that row of white umbrellas in your beach chair with a cool drink. We used a sandy pebble tek finish with a hint of aqua. Pool rocks!

This might work in your front space, properly planned. Nothing spells B E A C H like umbrellas and sand chairs!

I actually think you need to move ;-))

Suzi

What type of beach/nautical climate are you looking for?

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Try doing a google image search for different types of beach/nautical environments and decide what you like.

Zone 5 covers a lot of territory. Are you close enough to a body of water that would make a nautical landscape less than a curiosity?

We have quite a few such themes around here - the city wrapping around the head of Lake Superior. An interesting feature of the city is a mini Outer Banks type barrier with the St. Louis Bay on one side of the street and the dunes, white sand beaches and open water of the big lake on the other.

Most of the homes seemed to have gone with vignettes for the yards - boats, driftwood, anchors, life saving rings, a well placed buoy... Given the location, it's pretty effective if not over done in a hodge podge.

I like this vignette for it's simplicity.

Here is a link that might be useful: Vignette

Sometimes, I never know what's going to show up with a copied Google image - it's the picture of the tilted boat, pier pilings, black eyed Susans, and seagull.

First off, thanks to all of you for replying. I thought I signed up for auto-emails with each response, and when I didn't get any emails, I assumed there wasn't much interest in help.

@catkim, I'm not either :) Actually, it's in transition. We had a Blue Spruce as the anchor, and it was too large, blocking the view to and from our house. We had it removed, leaving a discombobulated mess. Quick -- very quick -- research suggests the Norfolk Island Pine won't be hardy in my area. The Windmill Palm is an element we plan to use in our backyard, as I think it will look entirely out of place in out front yard.

@desertdance, thanks for the ideas. I love the surfboard idea, and the chair/umbrella idea definitely will give it the right feel.

@lyfia, great question. I think we're looking for a rustic cottage-type nautical/beach theme more than tropical. So, looking at your pictures, I'd say two and three are about right. Of course, I want more than just blade grasses. To sum up my thoughts: think Red Lobster. I realize it's commercial and stereotypical -- but that's kind of where we are heading with this.

@duluthinbloomz4, I'm in Johnstown, PA, which is about 2 hours east of Pittsburgh. Closest body of Water is Lake Erie roughly 4 hours north :) That's why I would like to keep the front yard basic, not getting to advanced in a nautical look, while using some more common nautical ideas in the back. As for your photo search, this is a lot of what I'm thinking of/looking for.

@All, Thanks again for the help. I'm not short of ideas, but I think my biggest concern is plant selection and placement to give this a semi-authentic look without over or undercrowding. I've found some garden plans at the Better Homes and Gardens web site, but I can't seem to find plans elsewhere. Again, what's most important to me is the plants, as I have plenty of other ideas, which I'll list below:

- A small, rustic boardwalk leading from the edge of the garden up to the pond.

- A small "dock" that sits at the edge of the pond with some pilings and rope

- Chicken scratch (oyster shells, etc) as a substrate in certian areas to be highlighted

- An old, blue rowboat placed on an angle with flowers pouring out the side

Thanks again, everyone!