8 Steps to Creating a Low Maintenance Garden

There is an old English proverb that says ‘A home without a garden isn’t a home at all’.  These days, many of us are too time-poor to invest in a traditional garden, which costs time and money.

The solution is to have a low maintenance garden which still looks good. Many new homes feature these gardens and they blend in nicely with the home. Read on and we will show you how to create a low-maintenance garden for your home.

How to Create a Low-Maintenance Garden

By following the steps below, which are recommended by gardeners and landscapers, you will truly be on your way to creating that low maintenance garden for your home:

1. Mulch it, Mulch it!

Mulch is one of the best investments you can make for your garden as it fertilises your plants and prevents weeds. You don't have to mow or water fertiliser, making it a very low maintenance option. It's also inexpensive and you only have to replace it in the spring. That’s probably why many modern homes feature mulch beds.

2. Use Crushed Stone in Beds

It's an alternative to mulch and it has become a popular landscaping technique.  Stone makes a nice option for beds because you never have to replace it.

3. All Year Round Plants

Plants like lavender, succulents and cacti are low maintenance as they come back year after year and they only need minimal water. If you live in an area with regular rain, they hardly require any extra attention.

4. A Plant for all Seasons

Plants that flower in all season are an excellent choice, saving you both time and money. For instance, Black-Eyed Susans are a good summer choice because they bloom throughout the season.

5. Going Native

Native plants that are specific to your region make for less upkeep and keep water and pruning prices down. This is all about selecting the right plant in the right place.

6. Select Disease-Resistant Varieties

Many plants, especially vegetable varieties, have disease resistance built in. Remember, it doesn't make them disease-proof, but it does greatly reduce their chance of succumbing to certain diseases.

7. Clean up

A little time devoted to clean-up each week will save you a lot of time in the future. This involves cleaning up plant debris and pulling out weeds. Schedule some time for this and you will be greatly rewarded. Most importantly, pests and diseases will be kept away for longer.

8. Low Care Lawn

As much as you might love the look of a lush green lawn, it does require a lot of time to maintain it. You have two options to consider for a low maintenance lawn.

Option one is shrinking it – reduce the area of your garden and replace bigger features with native and ornamental plants.

Option two is getting artificial lawn – this doesn’t need any mowing, watering or fertilising.

Start Your New Life with a Brand New Lawn

By following these simple steps, you can easily create your own low maintenance garden which is eco-friendly, time friendly, economical, and suitable to an Australian climate.

For an even easier garden for your new home, explore the House and Land Packages from McDonald Jones Homes. Many of our packages include landscaping for the front yard, so the hard work is done for you.

Talk to the experts at McDonald Jones Homes for more information.