How to design a low maintenance garden

Gardens come in all shapes and sizes. Whether you’re a homeowner, landlord, or renter, and no matter what space you’re working with, it’s easy to create a beautiful yet low maintenance garden. By selecting the right design and plants for your outdoor area, you can put together an eye-catching and budget-friendly garden that requires minimal upkeep.

Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. 

1. Assess the outdoor area and set your budget

When the time comes to design your garden, there are two crucial considerations: how much space you have and your budget. Once you’ve established these factors, start sketching out different layouts.

Giving yourself several design options will help you to choose a blueprint that suits your garden. Any budget can be lowered by repurposing or upcycling materials you already have on-hand. Consider using old stone pavers to create a unique stepping stone or crazy paving pathway. Old plant pots can also be revived with a lick of paint or with new plants in them. Alternatively, liven up the greenery you already have by replanting them in stylish pots. Taking a creative approach to reinvent your space and repurpose what you already own can save you money while transforming your garden.

2. Add neutral design features and low maintenance ground cover

When designing a low maintenance garden, it’s helpful to use a neutral colour palette. Keeping things simple creates a clean and classic look, prolonging the need for future refreshes and ensuring that upkeep is undemanding.

Straightforward ground cover options are also important considerations. While grass remains a popular choice for gardens, it requires time-consuming watering, mowing, and weeding. Decking, pavers, artificial turf, pebbles, crushed rock, and concrete are all great alternatives to real grass and cope well in all weather conditions. These options require less upkeep, look neat all year round, and provide a timeless, neutral base that can be customised with just a few personal touches.

Tip: Neutral design features are especially handy for landlords looking to plan a garden that appeals to a wide variety of prospective tenants while keeping maintenance to a minimum.

3. Choose low maintenance plants

Adding plants to your outdoor space helps to add a burst of colour. And with the right selections, caring for them is stress-free. Select low maintenance plants like perennials, succulents, and cacti. These plants don't require much watering or attention, making them ideal for new plant parents or gardens with limited rainfall. Choosing local or native shrubs can also be a good option, as they help preserve biodiversity and don't require as much fertiliser, pesticide, or supplemental watering.

Adding weed matting and mulching to your garden beds can help keep the area low maintenance by preventing weed growth and aiding the water retention of the garden. These simple solutions can create an outdoor space that is attractive, practical, and easy to manage.

4. Create a shaded area

Creating a low maintenance shaded area for your outdoor space can help to make your garden more appealing year-round. With protection from the elements, you’re more likely to spend time outdoors and make the most of your entire home. There are several ways to add shade to your space, including planting a tree, using an umbrella, installing a shade cloth, or using temporary curtains with a tension rod.

When choosing trees, consider evergreen varieties over deciduous types as they won’t lose their leaves, keeping your garden tidy and your gutters leafless. Some suitable options include citrus trees, eucalyptus, and cypress trees. Umbrellas and shade cloths can be useful for smaller spaces, as they are easy to move and adjustable.

Create a space-savvy garden

We’re sharing advice on how to start a garden in small spaces.