Design A LowMaintenance Small Garden With These 11 Ideas

Get practical planting and design tips from these low-maintenance small garden design ideas.

A small, low-maintenance garden can provide you with useful and comfortable outdoor recreation with less effort and expense. Whether you're working with an urban yard or a piece of paradise in the countryside, there are a few strategies for creating a beautiful garden in a small space that doesn't require a lot of work. Use the ideas below to choose the best plants and techniques to create the perfect low-maintenance small garden for your space.

don't make it difficult

It can be tempting to cram lots of plants, patio furniture, and garden art into a small space. However, easier selection of garden supplies, landscaping and plants often means less time-consuming maintenance.

Planting perennials and shrubs

Garden centers are filled with beautiful annual flowers of various shapes, sizes and colors. But before you buy, keep in mind that most annuals need to be replanted each spring, adding to the cost and time of annual planning, shopping and planting. Instead, choose compact perennials and long-lived shrubs to create a small, low-maintenance garden. These types of implants cost a little more, but save hundreds of dollars in the long run.

There is no grass

Even a small lawn needs weekly mowing, fertilizing and frequent watering. Consider replacing grass in a small garden with low-maintenance trees, shrubs, and perennials for a more vibrant aesthetic. If you prefer the open space that a lawn provides, choose low-maintenance alternatives like planting alfalfa grass.

Also see: 4 Herbal Alternatives for Home Treatment

Try a gravel garden

Unlike rock gardens, which can be a bit sparse but require a lot of energy to maintain, gravel gardens can be lush and full of life. Naturally, gravel gardens are created by amending the original soil and adding 5-6 inches of gravel. Perennials, bulbs and seeds are placed in the substrate and grow through the gravel, creating a barrier for weeds and allowing water to penetrate the substrate.

vascular restriction

If you don't have room to plant in your small garden, containers can be a useful solution. However, growing potted plants often requires extra effort in watering and fertilizing to keep them blooming throughout the growing season. Instead of filling your small garden with containers, put in a large accent plant or two. And make sure your pots aren't clay, which can dry out the soil faster and require more frequent watering.

Go local

Native species have evolved in their regions for thousands of years, meaning these hardy plants can withstand any climate year-round. In contrast, non-native plants often require additional support such as irrigation or protection from wind, cold and heat to survive. Native plants also benefit from local wildlife as pollinators.

Embrace the natural look

Well-maintained English and French gardens are appealing with their clean lines and elegant appearance, but these garden styles can be a nightmare. For a low-maintenance small garden project, choose a natural effect instead, e.g. B. creating a small lawn around the seat. Let your plants fill in the gaps like they do in nature.

Complete the border garden

Border gardens help frame, outline and define spaces in landscapes large and small while adding tons of color and texture. Fill your borders with low-maintenance perennials and small shrubs to create an inviting, low-maintenance small garden. Full flowerbeds have the added benefit of preventing weeds, so you'll spend less time weeding.

See also: Amazon's 8 Best Weeds for a Lush Garden Starting at $13

Become a water expert

Water management is important in many countries, and important in arid regions such as the Southwest. To minimize water use and associated maintenance, choose drought-tolerant plants that will thrive in your local climate. Use water features like ponds and fountains, as they can be expensive and require year-round maintenance and regular refilling.

Create an open seat

Make the most of your small garden by adding seating. Reclaimed brick, used or homemade patio furniture and a coffee table add value to the space and can easily be expanded if more space is needed later. Creating a brick surface for your seating area will reduce weeds, reduce water usage and last for many years with very little maintenance.

See also: 18 best patio furniture 2023 to update your outdoor space this summer

Outdoor collection

Cover the bare soil in your small garden with a thick layer of mulch to reduce weeds and watering. Depending on the type of mulch you choose, it can last for several years and help create a clean, intentional look that requires little maintenance in your small garden design.

Read the original Better Homes & Gardens article.