Looking for some low-maintenance landscaping ideas? Here's how to spend less time weeding, watering, and mowing the yard—and a lot more time enjoying your outdoor space. With a few simple changes and strategic plant choices, you can have a beautiful yard that requires minimal effort to maintain.
Consider using gravel in place of grassy turf, especially if you're in a drought-prone Southwest region. Add a few flower beds or low-maintenance shrubs to add color and variety to your landscaping without the need for constant watering and upkeep. Gravel can also help with drainage and reduce the amount of water needed for your plants to thrive.
These hardy outdoor plants won't just boost your home's curb appeal, but they'll survive every condition, even a dry, sandy, or shady yard. Opt for native plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type, as they will require less maintenance and water than exotic species. Drought-tolerant plants like succulents and cacti are also excellent choices for low-maintenance landscaping.
Low-maintenance houseplants require minimal watering and care. Our favorite easy indoor plants for beginners include the snake plant, aloe vera, and spider plant. These plants can thrive in low light conditions and only need occasional watering, making them perfect for busy homeowners or those with a black thumb.
Native gardening has a reputation for being great for the environment, but it's also a very low-maintenance way to add curb appeal to your yard. Native plants are well-adapted to your local climate and soil, meaning they require less water, fertilizer, and pest control than non-native species. Consider creating a native plant garden in your yard to attract pollinators and wildlife while reducing your maintenance tasks.
A tapestry lawn (also known as a matrix garden, meadow lawn, prairie lawn, or patchwork lawn) is a low-maintenance alternative to traditional grass lawns. These mixed plantings of grasses, wildflowers, and groundcovers require less watering and mowing than a traditional lawn, while providing habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife. Consider converting a portion of your lawn to a tapestry lawn for a more sustainable and low-maintenance landscaping option.
Front lawns are sometimes too much to handle. Here are some cost-effective, low-maintenance ways to create a beautiful front lawn without the need for constant upkeep. Consider adding a mix of shrubs, groundcovers, and ornamental grasses to reduce the amount of mowing and watering required. Mulch beds and gravel pathways can also help to minimize maintenance tasks while adding visual interest to your yard.
Why replacing your lawn with “tidy wildlands” can help save America's biodiversity, yard by yard. By planting a mix of native grasses, wildflowers, and shrubs in place of a traditional lawn, homeowners can create habitat for birds, bees, and other wildlife while reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers. Tidy wildlands require less water and maintenance than a traditional lawn, making them a sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping option.
33 Colorful Groundcover Plants for a Low-Maintenance Garden · Armeria · Barren Strawberry · Basket-of-Gold · Bloody Cranesbill · Brass Buttons.
