Want to start a backyard garden but don’t want to spend all your free time tending to it? Here are six practical tips for creating a beautiful, prosperous low-maintenance garden that will thrive with minimal effort.
Plant Low-Water Perennials
The key to creating a low-maintenance garden? Choosing the right kind of plants. Low-water perennials like Black-eyed Susans, peonies, or coneflowers are an excellent choice as they are hardy and require minimal care. Succulents and salvia are also great options as they can withstand long periods without water and tolerate heat. The best part about these plants is that they will return year after year, providing lasting beauty with minimal upkeep.
Control Pests with Plants
Pest control can be a significant chore, but certain plants can help reduce this burden naturally. For example, planting marigolds next to tomatoes can repel slugs and tomato worms. Lavender is another low-maintenance plant that only requires annual pruning and helps repel fleas, moths, and mosquitoes. Chrysanthemums (mums) are also a fantastic addition, as their bright blooms contain pyrethrum, a natural insect repellent. The best part? Adding these plants to your garden can help reduce the need for chemical pesticides.
Consider a Raised Garden Bed
Raised garden beds are a great solution for minimizing weeding and pest control. For starters, planting low-water plants like sage or rosemary in raised beds can help reduce maintenance. And if you enjoy cooking, consider adding yummy vegetables like lettuce or radishes. Raised beds also allow plants to be closer together, which helps shade out weeds and block digging rodents. Finally, lining the bed with landscape fabric will make weeds and pests even less welcome.
Go Vertical
Vertical gardening is another innovative way to save space and reduce maintenance. By hanging plants above one another, you can lower your water usage since water drains from one plant to the plants below. Vertical gardens also help reduce bugs, weeds, and soil-borne diseases, giving you more time to enjoy your garden (and weekends).
Don’t Forget the Mulch
Mulch is an essential ingredient for a low-maintenance garden! It helps plants retain moisture and reduces the need for frequent watering. Mulch also suppresses weeds, greatly reducing the time you spend on weeding.
Keep it Simple
When designing your garden, less is often more. A more simplistic approach to garden accessories, hardscaping, and plant choices can create a serene and low-maintenance space, so avoid overloading your garden with too many plants, furniture, or decorations. Then kick back in your peaceful, easy-to-maintain garden!
Start Your Low-Maintenance Garden in a New Foxlane Home
When you have a beautiful, low-effort garden you’ll have even more time to enjoy life — especially when you live in a brand new Foxlane Home. Bonus: choosing a low-maintenance Foxlane home (like the ones found at Highpoint at New Britain, Sweetbay and The Landings) gives you even more time to do as you please! Schedule a tour to discover our communities throughout Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Coastal Delaware to find yours.