Stylish low maintenance gardening
Easy and fun
As much as you would like, you probably don't have all the time in the world to spend in your garden. For those who would rather enjoy the beauty of a garden than be down in the dirt tending to it, a low maintenance garden is the way to go.
But just what is a "low maintenance garden"? When we speak of a low maintenance garden, we mean a garden area that can go at least a week without your having to tend to it. The plants in a low maintenance garden should be long-lived and not in need of replacing every year; they should not need frequent pruning, division, fertilizing or watering; they should not grow to disproportional size. They should also be hearty and reliable, even under less-than-ideal conditions, and should not be prone to diseases and pests. And since you want a garden you can enjoy the whole year round, they need to be attractive even when the glory of their main bloom is over.
Don't argue with Mother Nature
The first step in creating a low maintenance garden is to do a little research into what plants grow easily and naturally in your area. Plants that are native to your region (elevation and latitude make quite a difference) will require less care than if you are trying to cultivate a garden full of species imported from foreign areas. This sort of research may not sound like the most fun you could have, but putting in a couple hours of this work can save you countless hours out in the hot sun.
The key here is to work with nature and not against it. Don't start this journey with an up hill battle.
Ground cover solutions
As much as you may not think about it, a lawn is very high maintenance. It needs seeding, watering, and—worst of all—mowing. Plus there are those spots that just won't grow because of too much shade or inhospitable soil. There are some great substitutes for a traditional lawn that may save you a lot of frustration and aggravation.
- Clover can be a great substitute for grass. Why? Clover need to be mowed less often than grass. It also is a hearty plant that can grow in almost any soil. Clover is insect-resistant and is a great weapon against weeds.
- For those highly shaded area where grass just refuses to sprout up, think about putting down a mat of moss. This isn't something most people normally think of as an attractive solution, but moss can be quite something to look at. And the thick, green of it surely beats that brown patch of dirt that has been plaguing you.
- Another way to go for those problem areas is with mulch. Mulch reduces the need to water and it is great for suppressing weeds.
- Wintergreen makes an excellent year-round groundcover. The leaves are bright and aromatic, and the edible red berries taste of wintergreen. This grows wonderfully under shrubs and flowering trees.
Perennials
Picking the right flowers for your garden is not just a choice of aesthetics. There are plenty of hearty perennials that will not cost you a lot of time. Of course, consult a good source to find out which will grow well in your region, but a few perennials that are known to be less needy than others are: Peony; Siberian Iris; Daylily; Bulb lily; and the Black eyed Susan.
Don't dry out
If it is in your budget, an automatic sprinkler system is a wonderful way to cut down on gardening chores. Not only does it save you the time of watering with a hose or setting up an oscillating sprinkler, an automatic system will also take care of your watering duties while you are out of town or otherwise indisposed.