If you’re looking to add some life to your yard but don’t have the time or patience for a high-maintenance garden, then we’ve got the perfect solution for you! In this blog post, we will teach you how to create a low-maintenance garden design that will look great all spring and summer with very little work on your part. Follow these simple tips and you’ll be able to relax and enjoy your backyard while your plants take care of themselves.
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Tip #1: Minimize Your Planting Area
The first step to creating a low-maintenance garden is to minimize the amount of space that you’re planting in. This will reduce the overall amount of work required to keep your garden looking neat and tidy. Try to select plants that are compact and can be easily contained within your chosen planting area.
Tip #2: Maximize Your Outdoor Living Space
More outdoor space dedicated to functional living means more space to entertain guests. Naturally, this means you’ll have less space to dedicate to plants and decorative gardening. Add a patio or deck where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors without having to worry about maintaining a sprawling lawn.
Tip #3: Prep the Soil Well
Once you’ve selected your planting area, it’s time to prep the soil. Although it takes time initially, properly prepping your soil will make maintaining your garden a breeze in the long run. Add some organic matter to the soil to help it retain moisture and nutrients – this will help improve drainage and aeration while also providing essential nutrients for your plants to establish themselves.
Tip #4: Choose Drought-Tolerant and Native Plants
Another key to low-maintenance gardening is selecting plants that are drought tolerant and native to your area. This will reduce the amount of watering and care that they require, and also help to make your garden more sustainable. If you’re in the Bay Area planning a garden for Spring, some excellent starter plants are coyote brush, golden currant, and California fuchsia. Succulent enthusiasts will tell you that native plants like echeveria, Dudleya, and sempervivum are also low water options that do well in our climate.
Tip #5: Get Creative With Your Planting Containers
To further reduce the amount of work required to maintain your garden, get creative with your planting containers. Look for self-watering pots, or use recycled materials like old tires, crates, or even buckets to house your plants. This will eliminate the need for frequent watering and make it easy to move your plants around if needed.
Tip #6: Landscape with Natural Stone and Wood
In addition to choosing low-maintenance plants, you can also reduce the amount of work required to maintain your garden by landscaping with natural stone and wood. These materials are durable and require very little upkeep, so you can enjoy your backyard without having to worry about constantly cleaning or repairing. Try a stone river, a table made from a tree stump, or a rock garden for an easy and low-maintenance landscape design.
Contact a Professional Landscape Designer
If you’re ready to curate your beautiful low-maintenance garden, don’t hesitate to contact Meadowbrook Design. We will be happy to walk you through any new features you would like us to install, recommend specific plant varieties for your area, and discuss the best layout for your space.