Creating a low maintenance garden

As a landscape gardeners, we understand how much time and energy maintaining a garden can take. Mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, weeding, and tending to your plants—it can feel like a full-time job. But the good news is, there are ways to reduce the workload while still having a beautiful, functional garden. From artificial turf to strategically placed planter beds, here are my top tips for making your garden low-maintenance and stress-free.

1. Install Artificial Turf

One of the biggest time-savers in any garden is replacing natural grass with artificial turf. Traditional lawns require constant mowing, watering, and fertilizing. Artificial turf, on the other hand, offers the look of lush green grass without the hassle. It’s perfect for reducing upkeep, especially in areas where grass doesn’t grow well or for families with children and pets who need a low-maintenance play area. Modern artificial turf is designed to look and feel like real grass, so you won’t have to sacrifice aesthetics for convenience.

2. Choose Low-Maintenance Shrubs and Plants

The right plant choices can drastically reduce the time you spend caring for your garden. Opt for shrubs and plants that are hardy, drought-tolerant, and require minimal pruning. Native plants are always a great option, as they are well-suited to your local climate and soil conditions. Consider these low-maintenance choices:

• Lavender: This fragrant shrub is drought-tolerant and only needs occasional pruning.
• Hydrangeas: Known for their stunning blooms, hydrangeas require very little care once established.
• Boxwood: A hardy evergreen that requires minimal trimming and offers year-round structure.
• Sedum: This succulent is drought-resistant and thrives in poor soil, making it ideal for areas with less attention.

When planning your garden, group plants by their water and sunlight needs to ensure they thrive with minimal intervention. And don’t forget to mulch! Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature.

3. Incorporate Planter Beds and Raised Beds

Raised planter beds are an excellent way to create low-maintenance garden areas. Not only do they make gardening easier by reducing the need to bend down, but they also help keep plants in healthy soil without competing with invasive weeds. Plus, you can control the soil quality, making it easier to grow plants that may struggle in your garden’s native ground.

You can also incorporate self-watering planters or containers, which require less frequent attention. Place these strategically around your garden to create visual interest and reduce the need for a sprawling lawn.

4. Create a Larger Patio or Hardscape Area

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of grass you need to maintain is to create a larger patio or hardscape area. By expanding your outdoor living space with materials like pavers, decking, or gravel, you can minimize the amount of lawn that needs mowing or watering. Not only does this reduce maintenance, but it also creates a perfect space for entertaining, relaxing, or dining outside.

For added convenience, consider installing a fire pit or an outdoor kitchen area as part of your hardscape design. These elements add style and functionality while reducing the amount of garden space that needs constant upkeep.

5. Use Gravel or Decorative Stones

If you still want to have some greenery in your garden but are tired of the constant upkeep, consider replacing some grassy areas with gravel or decorative stones. Gravel paths, ground covers, or stone accents reduce weed growth, are low-maintenance, and add texture to the landscape. You can combine these with drought-tolerant plants for a modern, desert-inspired garden that requires very little water or maintenance.

6. Reduce Lawn Size

Even if you don’t want to go the artificial turf route, you can still reduce your lawn’s size by strategically placing other features. By adding a larger patio area, a vegetable or herb garden, or more decorative elements like fountains or sculptures, you’ll naturally minimize the lawn’s footprint. Consider zoning areas of your garden for specific functions—perhaps a play area for kids or pets, a quiet corner with a bench, or a dining space. This makes your garden more functional and less reliant on constant lawn care.

7. Automate Watering with Irrigation Systems

Watering can take up a lot of time, especially if you have a large garden. Installing an irrigation system with automatic timers ensures that your plants get the water they need without requiring your constant attention. Drip irrigation systems are particularly effective because they deliver water directly to the roots, minimizing evaporation and runoff. You can also set up sprinklers for your lawn or flower beds, allowing you to go about your day without worrying about watering.

8. Add Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives

If you like the idea of having a grassy area but don’t want to deal with the upkeep, consider low-maintenance lawn alternatives like clover or groundcover plants such as thyme, moss, or creeping Jenny. These plants grow thick and low to the ground, minimizing the need for mowing and maintaining a tidy, lush appearance. Clover, in particular, is a great option because it doesn’t need mowing and even fixes nitrogen in the soil, making it a natural fertilizer.

Final Thoughts

A low-maintenance garden doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or functionality. By incorporating elements like artificial turf, low-maintenance plants, planter beds, and expansive hardscape areas, you can significantly reduce the time spent on upkeep without compromising on style. Whether you’re looking to create a serene outdoor retreat or a family-friendly space, these tips will help you design a garden that works for you, not against you.

So, next time you’re considering your garden design, think about the long-term benefits of creating a space that requires less work while still offering beauty and enjoyment throughout the year.