Even for experienced gardeners, it can be easy to spend too much time keeping up with your backyard. Landscaping ideas can inspire but also inhibit - how can you find time to take care of such a stylish outdoor space?
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to create a low-maintenance landscape without it feeling lazy. With the right plant and design choices, you can even create a backyard garden that does your work for you. Here are some great tips for a low-maintenance backyard:
Drought-tolerant perennials
One of the simplest ways to cut your time spent on your garden is by reducing the amount of watering you need to do. Luckily, there are plenty of drought-tolerant plants you can introduce to your landscaping design that can go longer in between watering sessions.
To get the most out of the least amount of water and care, try planting some drought-tolerant perennials. Shrubs like butterfly bush and Russian sage are perfect for areas with full sun, where the soil will dry out more quickly.
Lawn alternatives
Another helpful backyard landscaping idea to cut back on garden maintenance is to get rid of your grass lawn. Not only will you save time and effort not having to weed, mow and water it, you’ll have the opportunity for creating interesting textures and plant combinations in the same space.
For shady patches of your yard, try planting moss. Most mosses are virtually maintenance free but create a lush, soft surface for the ground. In more sunny areas, ground cover crops like stonecrop, lamb’s ear and creeping thyme do well with a slew of backyard landscaping ideas.
Rock gardens & hardscape elements
Introducing hardscape elements like natural stone is a simple backyard landscaping idea for a low maintenance outdoor living space. Rock gardens are made up of stone and drought tolerant plants, either arranged in artistic or organic designs. Mixing a variety of different textures, colors and shapes of stone adds aesthetic appeal without adding more living things to take care of.
A stone patio or backyard fire pit are also low maintenance hardscape elements to consider. While they take more time and effort to install, they require very little upkeep and maintenance.
These are only a few low maintenance backyard landscaping ideas you can try. With the right choice of plants and decorative elements, you can make sure you work smarter rather than harder in maintaining your outdoor space.
About the Author
Meryl Diamond
While I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, I have spent the last 27 years living in the Lisle and Naperville area. The first single family home my husband and I ever owned was in Green Trails, Lisle. There were two things we loved about living in Green Trails - the sense of community and all the green space. This was a dream come true for my children who always had a friend to play with or a babysitter near by. For me, it gave me a chance to get to know the neighbors whom I have built lifelong friendships with. From neighborhood garage sales to summer barbeques, we always found reason to come together.
