Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

Low maintenance landscaping garden designs are becoming increasingly popular due to people wanting to spend less time on upkeep and longer on enjoying their outdoor space.

This will not only benefit keeping your garden easy to maintain, it can reduce water usage and some sustainable and environmental options enhance both the aesthetic and ecological characteristics of a space.

Here are some ideas on how to create and maintain a garden with minimal attention. 

Native & Drought-Resistant Plants

Native plants are perfect for this type of design as they adapt to the ground as well as requiring less water, and support local wildlife.Drought-resistant plants such as lavender, sedum and ornamental grasses, also offer the same ease of care and minimise irrigation needs.

An Alternative To Grass

Grass requires mowing, watering and fertilising on a regular basis whereas considering ground cover plants like creeping thyme, clover and moss for shady spots reduces upkeep as well as providing better soil moisture retention and fewer weeds.  

Hardscaping

Gravel pathways, stone paving and mulch beds can add beauty, while reducing the need for frequent upkeep.  By using these durable materials they withstand the elements and require minimal care. For example self binding gravel paths, natural stone stepping stones, mulch paths etc

Raised beds or retaining walls that add structure can make maintenance tasks easier, less requirement to enter the planted areas or stress the back unnecessarily. 

Use Mulching To Retain Moisture & Suppress Weeds

Mulching your garden is when you add a thick layer of organic matter (usually manure, compost or bark) to the surface, this will help to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, add nutrients and insulate a plant’s roots.  Mulch can be attractive too, so you might want to try decorative bark or wood chip mulch or even a natural stone mulch.

Automatic Irrigation Systems 

A garden irrigation system combined with water harvesting and smart watering technology helps conserve water by optimising irrigation based on real-time data, reducing reliance on mains water supplies.  

Smart systems can monitor soil moisture, weather forecasts and plant needs, ensuring plants receive water only when necessary and minimising waste.  Harvesting rainwater also captures naturally available water, reducing demand on treated water resources and helping the UK conserve public water supplies.  

This combination supports sustainable water management, reduces costs for homeowners and mitigates the environmental impact of water shortages exacerbated by climate change that most parts of the UK fell victim to in 2023.

Champion Perennials Over Annuals

Perennials regrow each year and typically require less maintenance than annual plants that last a season. They are better for the environment and are not just a one season wonder!

Some of our RHS trained Horticulturists favourites are-

• Yarrow, Achillea
• Michaelmas daisy, Aster
• Elephant's ears, Bergenia
• Crocosmia
• Delphinium
• Sea holly, Eryngium

We will always discuss planting strategies to create a visually pleasing garden year-round which will require minimal replanting.

Low Maintenance Garden Features

Garden features like raised beds, containers, or decorative stones can add interest without high upkeep.  As well as solar lighting, birdbaths or sculptures that bring a garden to life with little to no maintenance.

Low-maintenance landscaping ideas can help homeowners create beautiful, sustainable gardens that fit into busy lifestyles. A qualified landscape gardener will consider which options align best with your garden’s climate, space, and design. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss your outdoor space with us.