Garden Planning & Designing

How To Create a Low Maintenance Garden

how to create a low maintenance garden

Whether you’re short on time, gardening prowess, or just want an outdoor space you can get out into and enjoy, knowing how to create a low maintenance garden is the perfect solution for busy modern life. It may take some commitment to begin with, but it will be worthwhile when you have a low maintenance garden that’s always ready to be enjoyed when good weather strikes.

Well-suited to gardens of all sizes, we’re here to bust the myth that simple design is boring with our list of easy, low maintenance garden ideas.

6 Low maintenance garden ideas

Whether you want to create an easy-effort cottage garden inspired space or a low maintenance Japanese garden design, these simple ideas can be adapted to suit outdoor spaces of all shapes and sizes.

Lose the lawn

Unfortunately, there’s no such thing as low maintenance grass – especially when peak growing season hits in the summer. Typically, gardens with large grass areas are the most time-consuming, as they need to be cut regularly over the warmer months.

Instead, swap your grass for a patio or decking. While you’re at it, liven up your new seating area with garden furniture or a lounge set to help you get maximum usage out of your space.

Top tip: To keep it easy, you could have a professional do this for you. But if you’re trying to stick to a budget with a cheap low maintenance garden, take a look at our guides on how to lay a patio or decking.

Maximise relaxation with no maintenance garden furniture

Garden furniture that needs to be moved inside over winter or regularly sanded and waxed will create extra work for you, so find a stylish seating solution that requires minimal upkeep. Rattan garden furniture is a brilliant no maintenance option, as it’s completely waterproof and can be left outside all year round.

Wooden furniture can also be made weatherproof with a priming treatment – a quick job that will save you time in the long run!

Top tip: Take a look at our guide to the best weatherproof garden furniture to find beautiful outdoor seating options that are built to withstand the elements.

Swap shrubs for fencing

If you’re looking for low maintenance garden border ideas, remove the need for regular trimming and tending to shrubs by replacing your borders with stylish fencing.

Not only is fencing a great way to add some extra privacy and security to your home, but you can also paint or stain it to add an extra design element to your space.

For a look that’s inspired by low maintenance Japanese garden design, why not introduce a sculptural pergola or trellis to your outdoor space too? Long-lasting and with minimal upkeep required, this is a great way to add an eye-catching feature to your garden without creating more work for yourself.

Top tip: If you need help with finding the right fence for your garden, our handy Fencing Buying Guide tells you everything you need to know.

Add mulch

Mulch is a great, low maintenance alternative to soil and grass as you don’t have to mow or water it – plus, it prevents weeds.

From landscaping bark to rustic wood chips, choose the type of mulch that best suits the look of your space and follow our guide on how to mulch for a perfect finish.

If you still want to create some depth without the addition of plants or shrubbery, adding decorative stones or slate chippings to your borders is one of the simplest low maintenance cottage garden ideas.

Sometimes fake is best

Artificial grass and plants have come on leaps and bounds over the years. Even with kids and pets running around, artificial grass is a great option.

With artificial, low maintenance grass you don’t have to worry about mowing, weeding and filling in bald patches, and you can also enjoy a beautiful green lawn all year round.

Top tip: Our artificial turf buyers guide contains everything you need to get started.

Choose low maintenance garden plants

The key to keeping plants low maintenance is to invest a little time into planting them properly to give them the best chance to flourish.

When it comes to low maintenance flower bed ideas, the best options are those that come back year after year. Look for easy-care perennials, like the Dwarf Daffodil and a Cyclamen Mix, or packets of wildflower seeds. Lavender is another great low maintenance option.

You can also make things easier for yourself by keeping all your plants in one spot with a sleek trough planter.

Top tip: Follow our guide on how to plant to keep your beds and trough planters looking their best.

Now that you have everything you need to get started, you’re well on your way to enjoying a low maintenance garden. Don’t forget to share your revamped outdoor space and your own low maintenance garden ideas with us @Homebase_uk.

 



Homebase

Homebase

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