For many homeowners, the dream of a lush, beautiful garden often gets overshadowed by the reality of constant upkeep. Between work, family, and social commitments, finding time to tend to a high-maintenance garden can feel impossible.
For many landlords, one thing that annoys property owners the most after letting a property is their gardens being left to ruin. Often tenants will spend minimal time in making gardens ‘there own’ and you’ll often be left with knee high grass, overgrown bushes and dead plants due to neglect.
But don’t despair! A low-maintenance garden doesn’t mean compromising on beauty or enjoyment and it would also have longer term benefits for those renting your properties. With a bit of planning and some clever choices, you can have a stunning outdoor space that practically takes care of itself.
Choose the Right Plants
One of the simplest ways to reduce garden maintenance is to choose plants that thrive on neglect. Look for hardy, drought-resistant species that don’t need constant watering or pruning.
Succulents and cacti are excellent choices, as are ornamental grasses like Miscanthus or Feather Reed Grass. Perennials like Lavender, Coneflowers, and Daylilies not only look gorgeous but also come back year after year with minimal fuss.
Mulch, Mulch, Mulch
Mulching is a gardener’s best friend when it comes to low maintenance. A thick layer of mulch helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as wood chips, straw, or compost, can also improve soil health as they decompose.
Not only does this reduce the amount of time you spend watering and weeding, but it also gives your garden a neat, finished look.
Smart Lawn Solutions
Lawns can be one of the most time-consuming aspects of garden maintenance. Consider reducing the size of your lawn or replacing it entirely with alternatives. Ground covers like Creeping Thyme, Clover, or even decorative gravel can create a lush, green appearance without the need for regular mowing, watering, and fertilising.
For those who can’t part with their lawn, choosing a slow-growing grass variety or installing a robotic mower can significantly cut down on your workload.
Install Automatic Irrigation
Watering the garden can be a significant chore, especially during hot, dry spells. Installing an automatic irrigation system can save you a lot of time and ensure your plants get the consistent moisture they need.
Drip irrigation systems are particularly efficient, delivering water directly to the roots of your plants and reducing waste. Many modern systems can be set on timers or even controlled via smartphone apps, giving you one less thing to worry about.
Paved and Decked Areas
Introducing paved or decked areas can significantly reduce the amount of garden space that needs tending. These areas not only add a practical element to your garden—perfect for outdoor dining, entertaining, or simply relaxing—but also cut down on the amount of weeding, mowing, and watering required. Imagine transforming a section of your garden into a sleek patio or a charming deck where you can place a dining set, lounge chairs, or even a fire pit.
Timber decking, such as that available from Mill Timber Direct, offers a natural and attractive option that blends seamlessly with the outdoor environment. Timber decking is durable, easy to clean, and resistant to the elements, making it a low-maintenance choice for busy homeowners. Plus, it provides a warm, inviting space for socialising or enjoying a quiet moment in nature.
Container Gardening
For those with limited space or time, container gardening is an ideal solution that offers flexibility and convenience. Pots and containers are incredibly versatile and can be moved around to suit your changing needs or to take advantage of the best sunlight. They require less weeding than traditional garden beds, making them perfect for busy homeowners looking to minimise their gardening chores.
When choosing containers, opt for large pots to reduce the frequency of watering and to give your plants more room to grow. Self-watering containers are a fantastic option for those who might forget to water regularly, as they maintain consistent soil moisture.
Grouping containers together can create a lush, layered effect that rivals the beauty of a traditional garden bed without the sprawling maintenance.
Low-Maintenance Garden Features
Incorporating non-plant elements into your garden design can add beauty and interest without adding to your workload. Features like stone pathways, sculptures, water features, and raised beds can all enhance your garden while requiring minimal maintenance.
Stone pathways, for instance, not only create a charming and practical route through your garden but also reduce the areas where weeds can grow. They can be made from various materials such as gravel, pavers, or flagstones, each offering a different aesthetic.
Perennials and Native Plants
Perennials and native plants are a boon for any low-maintenance garden. Perennials come back year after year, reducing the need for replanting. Native plants, adapted to the local climate and soil, are often more resilient and require less water and care than exotic species. They also support local wildlife, attracting beneficial insects and birds to your garden.
Embrace Natural Landscaping
Finally, consider embracing a more natural approach to your garden. Letting certain areas grow wild can reduce maintenance and create a haven for wildlife.
A wildflower meadow, for instance, can be incredibly low-maintenance and attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. This benefits the environment and adds natural beauty to your garden.
Creating a low-maintenance garden is all about making smart choices and working with nature rather than against it. You can enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden without spending all your free time tending to it by choosing the right plants, incorporating efficient systems, and reducing high-maintenance areas.