Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas for the New Gardener

As a new gardener, you’re likely dreaming of all of the things you could do with your landscaping. Maybe it’s a yard full of the brightest spring colors or homegrown herbs. However, it’s hard to focus your energy on new skills if your landscaping demands too much of your time. The solution? Embrace some low maintenance landscaping principles. Here are some low maintenance landscaping ideas for the new gardener. 

If there were an option for a no-maintenance landscape, some people would likely choose it. However, there’s always going to be some work involved to keep your yard looking fresh and tidy. When you select suitable materials, even an easy-to-care-for lawn can look spectacular. 

Video on Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

Use Stone in Your Landscaping

Generally, the less grass you have in your landscaping, the easier it will be to care for. Stone can be a great way to make your lawn stand out without adding plants. Additionally, you’ll be able to conserve water.

Although stone is a more expensive investment, you won’t have to pay for all the maintenance that goes into keeping plants and grass looking their best. Plus, stone lasts a long time, and it comes in a variety of colors to match your outdoor look. 

Create a Level Area

Level your yard as best you can. Whether you’re using dirt and grass seed or stone, having a level foundation for your landscaping will be much easier to take care of. 

A level yard ensures water drains appropriately when you get heavy rain. Additionally, if you use stone to create a level area, it can deter weeds and serve as a place you can build upon in the future.

Plant Perennials

Mulch Your Flower Beds

Mulch will become one of your best friends as a gardener. It deters weeds, holds in moisture, helps fertilize your soil and adds nutrients. 

You can certainly use store-bought mulch, which is relatively inexpensive. For an even more cost-effective option, you can create your own with wood chips, leaves or even grass clippings. Line your flower beds with a layer of mulch to experience all the benefits.

Add a Patio or Other Living Space

Extending your outdoor living area means you won’t have to deal with as much grass during the spring and summer. Add a patio or deck to create more room for when you entertain guests. 

You’ll be able to enjoy the outdoors more rather than having to tend to it all the time. If you would still like some decorative elements, you can always add potted plants or hanging baskets to the outdoor living area.

Grow Native Grasses

Grow native grasses to make your landscaping even more low-maintenance. Grasses that grow naturally in your region require less work. They’ve also built up a resistance to the weather, so they thrive with little effort. 

The less grass you have in your landscaping, the lower the maintenance will be. Another option would be to install artificial grass. Make sure you create a barrier for weeds, though.

Scatter Your Yard With Trees and Shrubs

Planting some trees and shrubs that don’t require much work will add value to your landscaping. Like with the grasses, choose native varieties that will do well without attention.

Some trees or shrubs may require a little bit of pruning, but as long as they aren’t overcrowded, they’ll look great with your landscaping. You can just let them grow carefree. 

Relax at Home With Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas

With low-maintenance landscaping, you can simply enjoy your lawn without having to do much work. As you grow your skills in gardening, you can add more plants. For now, try out these easy ideas and see what works best for your home.

Author:

Evelyn Long is a writer and the editor-in-chief of Renovated. She publishes home improvement and gardening advice for a variety of publications.