Maintaining a garden can be time-consuming, especially for busy homeowners or renters. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the beauty and tranquility of an outdoor space. Low-maintenance gardens are a practical solution for those who want to have a beautiful garden without dedicating a significant amount of time and resources to maintaining it.
In this blog we’ll discuss what they are, some of the different types and how to design one. We’ll give you some tips on maintaining them, share some common misconceptions about them, and give you some examples of low-maintenance gardens that will hopefully inspire you to create your own with our help.
What are low-maintenance gardens?
Low-maintenance gardens are designed to require minimal upkeep. They’re typically designed with easy-care plants and features that don’t require regular watering, pruning, or fertilising. These types of gardens are ideal for those who don’t have the time, energy, or resources to dedicate to a traditional garden, but want an outdoor space to relax in.
Types of low-maintenance gardens
There are different types of low-maintenance gardens that can be designed and created, depending on your preferences and the local climate. Xeriscaping is becoming an increasingly popular type of low-maintenance landscaping that involves using drought-tolerant plants and features that require minimal watering which is great for the environment (and your water bill too!)
Container gardens are a great option for those who want to have a garden without a lot of upkeep. They can be placed on balconies, patios, or other small spaces, and they require minimal watering and pruning. If you like the idea of ‘growing your own’ you could also buy dwarf versions of fruit trees such as apples, plums and pears, and the more obvious strawberries and raspberry plants are relatively easy to grow.
Raised beds are another type of low-maintenance garden that is ideal for those who want to grow vegetables or herbs. They can be designed to require minimal watering, and they can also help to reduce the amount of weeding and maintenance required.
If you’re not sure whether a low-maintenance garden would suit your outdoor space, at ALS Landscaping in Lincoln, we offer a 3D garden design, which means you can see what your low-maintenance garden will look like before it’s installed. We talk about this more in our blog ‘5 Reasons why 3D garden design is a great idea!’
How to design your low-maintenance garden
Designing a low-maintenance garden starts with selecting plants that are well-suited for the local climate. Native plants are often the best choice, as they are adapted to the local soil and weather conditions. Grouping plants according to their watering needs is also important, as this can help to reduce the amount of watering required. Choosing a smaller lawn or eliminating it altogether can also help to reduce maintenance needs. And if you’re really not a fan of mowing the lawn, then artificial grass could be a great solution. We did a blog series about Artificial Grass which we can highly recommend reading, if it’s something you want to learn more about.
Other design elements that can help to create a low-maintenance garden include using hardscaping features, such as paths and patios, and selecting plants that require minimal pruning or deadheading.
Tips for maintaining your low-maintenance garden
Maintaining a low-maintenance garden involves choosing the right tools and equipment. Investing in high-quality tools can help to reduce the amount of time and effort required for maintenance tasks. Using organic mulch can also help to reduce the need for watering and weeding.
Choosing plants that require minimal pruning or deadheading can also help to reduce maintenance needs and that’s where ALS Landscaping really shines. With over twenty years’ experience, it’s fair to say we know a thing or two about plants. We’ll help you to select plants that are disease and pest-resistant to help reduce the need for chemical treatments; you’ll also be doing your bit for the planet!
Common misconceptions about low-maintenance gardens
One of the most common misconceptions about low-maintenance gardens is that they are dull or lack colour. However, with careful selection of plants and design features, a low-maintenance garden can be just as colourful and diverse as a traditional garden, without the high maintenance.
Another misconception is that low-maintenance gardens are not as environmentally friendly as others. However, many low-maintenance gardening practices, such as xeriscaping and using organic mulch, are eco-friendly and can help to reduce water usage and chemical treatments.
Successful low-maintenance garden examples
There are many successful low-maintenance gardens that are both beautiful and functional. The Royal Botanic Garden in Edinburgh is an example of a low-maintenance garden that uses drought-tolerant plants and features, such as gravel paths, to reduce maintenance needs. A bit further afield, the Brooklyn Grange Farm in New York is an example of a successful urban farm that uses raised beds and organic growing practices to reduce maintenance needs.
Conclusion
Creating a low-maintenance garden is a practical solution for those who want to enjoy a beautiful outdoor space without dedicating a significant amount of time and resources to maintaining it. By selecting the right plants and design features, and using eco-friendly gardening practices, you can create a low-maintenance garden that is exactly right for you!
At ALS Landscaping in Lincoln, we work hard to bring your dream outdoor space to you, in a way that will work for you. Get in touch with us today to see how we can get your outdoor space ready for Summer.
