How to Decrease Garden Maintenance

Gardens add color, interest and beauty to any outdoor space. However, they also require a large amount of time and resources to maintain. Thankfully, homeowners can significantly decrease garden maintenance by planting the right plants and flowers in the right locations.

• Select low maintenance plants. Choose plants with low water needs, few diseases and no pruning. Low maintenance plants are available in all hardiness zones.  


• Plant flowers, bushes and trees in the right place. Make sure your plants receive the correct amount of sun or shade.


• Choose perennial flowers instead of annual species. Perennial flowers return every year and do not need to be replaced, while annual flowers perish once their growing season is over.


• Control weeds. Weeding takes a large amount of time in the garden, so controlling the growth of weeds is an important step in planning a low maintenance garden. Possible weed control options include weed mats and extended-control herbicides.


• Mulch your beds. Keeping a two-inch layer of mulch around your flowers, bushes and trees prevents moisture loss. This process can also prevent weeds and help the plant stay healthy by retaining nutrients.


• Use rocks. Rocks require no maintenance, and rocks with unusual shapes and colors are available. Add these natural items to your garden to create interest in flowerbeds without additional maintenance.


• Consider installing a sprinkler system or underground irrigation system. Although this may be expensive, you will not have to spend time watering your garden.