How to Create a Low Maintenance Garden?

Access to urban green space, particularly gardens, is becoming more important for people's mental health, well-being, and overall quality of life. Many studies show that spending time in nature leads to more physical activity, better health, and more social interaction.

On the other hand, gardening can be costly and time-consuming, especially if everyone is involved in other activities. Therefore, some people find their gardens messy, giving them more stress than relaxation.

If you are the type of person who does not have time to fix and maintain your garden, here are some ways to create a low-maintenance one: 

1. Limit your plants

The fewer plants you have, the more time you will have. Putting too many plants in your garden is unnecessary if you only have a small amount of time to maintain it. Hence, you can remove plants that are high maintenance and prioritize the low-maintenance ones. 

Low maintenance plants are as follows: 

• Barberry
• Peony
• Liriope
• Feather Reed Grass
• Succulent plants
• Holly
• Ornamental grass
• Juniper

Additionally, the first rule of low-maintenance gardening is to ensure that your plants have the proper location. If not, you will need to adjust it from time to time as some plants form tiny clumps or can spread widely. 

2. Be smart in planting

If you wish to have a predominantly paved or fake grass garden, try employing "pocket beds," which are strategically placed breaks in the hardscaping to create a small bed area. Small circular or square beds buried in asphalt will require less upkeep and give your yard a very modern look.

Importantly, when you select plants, keep in mind the plant's size and the location in your garden. You do not want to overwhelm a garden with extremely tall or low-growing plants. 

3. Select your plants wisely

Many plants are adorable and suitable for your garden. However, some require serious work. These high maintenance plants need sufficient temperature, soil with a specific amount of acidity, and sunlight at a particular time. Thus, it will be a hassle if you are not up to extreme gardening.

If you know you do not have a green thumb, you must avoid these plants for your low-maintenance garden. 

1. Orchid

2. Calathea

3. Boston Fern

4. Elephant Ear

5. Rose

6. Banana plant

7. Stromanthe

4. Create an Attractive Fencing

Fencing the perimeter of your garden is just as critical as any other part of your outdoor space. If you have a dull fence, you will be more tempted to conceal it with live plants. If you have more budget, it's well worth changing your fencing to a style and colour that complements the rest of the garden.

5. A rock garden is a great option.

A rock garden is an excellent option if you are not a natural plant lover. Because rocks are naturally beautiful, they become more attractive when incorporated with plants. Unlike the typical garden, it requires less maintenance. Besides, it can add unique features to your property, thus increasing its value. 

6. Organize your garden

Take the time to ensure that your tools are properly stored and in good operating order. Maintaining clean equipment and storing it dry saves time in the long run and keeps blades sharp and effective.

Container gardening might be a big time-saver, mainly when weeding. It is also suitable for gardeners with limited mobility because of their lower height. If you want to grow plants in a container, think about bigger containers that can hold more compost because they will need less watering.

7. Use artificial turf instead of natural ones.

Artificial grass can provide long-term benefits for your garden. Aside from being almost maintenance-free, synthetic turf lets you save time and money while enjoying its benefits. You do not need to water its fibres and put fertilizer on them constantly. Further, fake turf can last up to 15 years if you know how to maintain its quality. So, many homeowners replace lawn with artificial grass. 

Also, it's essential to evaluate the quality of the artificial lawn before deciding whether it's worth your investment. Low-quality, low-cost grass can cause damage to your lawn over the long term due to its fragility and low resilience. High-quality synthetic grass can make a big difference to the appearance and value of your garden.

8. Invest in an irrigation system

Without an automatic sprinkler system, no garden is deficient in maintenance. Put it in a location that benefits the most significant number of your plants and sit back while the sprinklers take care of the fieldwork. You can maintain them regularly to ensure that your plants receive the necessary nourishment on time.

Another simple method of watering is with a soaker hose. Soaker hoses should be positioned beneath the mulch layer. If you're watering yourself, a water wand will expand the reach of your hose nozzle and soften the water flow. It is recommended to water the plant in the morning and at the base.

9. Promote biodiversity

Pest control and disease management are two of the most time-consuming tasks in a garden. Organic gardening and increasing biodiversity are the best options to combat these challenges. The more you grow different plants, the more beneficial interactions you can create between other species. 

10. Do your research

It is critical not to plan your low-maintenance garden solely based on a book or general recommendations. Always keep in mind the unique traits and constraints of your region and garden.

A garden that requires little maintenance will always be built with the climate. Additionally, it is critical to evaluate how your garden's requirements and health will alter as the environment changes.

Tips for creating a low-maintenance garden

1. Create a garden plan

The first step you need to take is to create a plan for your low-maintenance garden. The idea is to use five to ten different plant types. This way, you'll be able to give each one the proper care it needs and minimize the time you spend watering and pruning. Try to use plants that have foliage rather than shrubs, so you don't have to keep buying new ones. In addition, you'll be able to grow many more plants, and you won't need to do much watering.

2. Variety

While variety is always desirable, it also adds work. Consider growing fewer varieties of flowers, shrubs, and even lawns. A simplified planting scheme will reduce the amount of maintenance you have to do. This can be done by either cutting back many plants at once or dividing them. Some gardeners prefer a simple design, but it may not be for them.

3. Seasonal Plants

Another tip for a low-maintenance garden is to choose plants that can survive winter. If you have a garden prone to weeds, you can try using hardy shrubs that take care of themselves. To create a flower bed that doesn't need any watering, you can top-dress it with mulch or chippings. If you don't have time to top-dress your beds, you can always use gravel or slate to create a natural retaining wall for your plants. This way, you can enjoy your garden for longer without worrying about your back.

You can always choose and rely on Easy Turf for more crucial information on premium synthetic grass solutions for your yard or lawn. We offer quality and life-like turf suitable to Australia's harsh climate conditions. It can also provide quality artificial grass installation for commercial, sporting, and residential landscapes. You can contact us at 1300 475 499. You can also visit our artificial grass shop to learn more about our products.