Having a garden offers many benefits, but not all of us are up for the continuous care and input that a specialized garden requires. However, depending on the plant and landscaping choices you make for your garden, you might be surprised by how low-maintenance and stress-free you can make it. In this guide, we’ll teach you some of the best secrets to creating that perfect garden in your own backyard.
Garden Prep
Before you start figuring out where to put your plants and flowers, a complete and thorough clean-up is a must to ensure that your garden is free from weeds, potentially dangerous items, or dilapidated lawn furniture. Start from the top and clear the gutters of fallen leaves and debris, then survey the ground and see what you have to get rid of. Place tools in the tool shed or the garage, and lock away any chemicals so they’re out of reach of children and pets.
Preparing the Soil
Preparation is absolutely crucial when you’re looking to plant a maintenance-free garden. You may have to spend a little extra time or money at the beginning of the season, but if you take measures to prevent weeds early on, such as mulching or adding decorative stone to your garden, you won’t have to pull any weeds later on. Also, consider perennial plants like bulbs or trees that will survive from year to year, and look into plants like sunflowers that will re-seed themselves every year, too. These will reduce the area that you’ll need to replant every season.
Picking Plants
The plants you put in your garden arguably make the most difference in how efficiently it operates. You will want to plant different things in different areas, depending on what purpose the plant best serves. For example, if you want to fill a dirt bed alongside a house, you would want some kind of low-maintenance ground cover, like periwinkle. If you want a container plant for your porch, you would need to account for that, too. Make sure to always take into account plants that are native to your area, as those will almost always be your hardiest, most environmentally-friendly choices.
Designing Spaces
If you want a truly low-maintenance garden, plan it out beforehand, whether you’re just scribbling away on a piece of paper or drafting it out with a professional. If you have specific plants you want, for example, like herbs or vegetable plants, you will need to take into account what areas of your garden they’ll thrive most in, such as sunny areas versus shady areas. A gardening professional will be able to educate you on what kinds of plants are the hardiest and least care-intensive in your area, or you can do your own research online and plan it out yourself. Just keep in mind that some plants don’t do well next to each other; rosemary, for example, a very hardy and delicious herb, tends to taint the flavors of other edible herbs when grown near them.
Having a green and peaceful outdoor space can improve the quality of your life and your home. Try these tips to have a stress-free garden that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
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