“A gardener’s recipe: One part soil, two parts water, three parts wishful thinking.”
If you love a beautiful landscape but your thumbs are less than green, low maintenance landscaping may be for you. Many novice gardeners are surprised to learn how many low maintenance options exist for those lacking the time or the skill for complicated gardening.
Low maintenance landscaping ideas will vary depending on where you live. Certain low maintenance landscaping ideas, such as xeriscaping, can be tweaked to work in any climate. Scroll through our low maintenance landscaping gallery and start dreaming again of creating your ideal garden.
1. Low-Maintenance Artificial Backyard Grass
If you’re looking for creative and low-maintenance landscaping ideas, artificial grass is a great choice. Unlike having to constantly maintain real grass with mowing, artificial grass offers a hassle-free solution that looks great.
Artificial grass also allows you to forget about weeding and fertilizing, so you won’t need to worry about dug-up flowers or harmful chemicals. It also doesn’t require watering like real grass so it’s an eco-friendly way to landscape your outdoor space.
Plus, artificial grass can last for years without needing any maintenance at all!
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Source: @smartchoicelandscapesandpools via Instagram2. Add Stone Pavers
Creating a low-maintenance landscaping space involves finding creative ways to utilize stone pavers in your backyard. Consider placing stone pavers directly on the grass in both curved and straight pathways, creating an interesting contrast between soft waves of green and hard lines of stone.
Alternatively, you could place stone pavers on a bed of smooth pebbles for a quieter atmosphere with fewer turf maintenance needs.
Either way, adding stone pavers as part of your landscaping can lend a Mediterranean vibe which will take minimal effort to maintain.
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Source: @greenjaylandscaping via Instagram3. Plant Trees In Your Backyard
Planting trees in your backyard is a fantastic way to add some flair while also keeping your yard work to a minimum. Trees are excellent additions to any garden or outdoor space and don’t require much effort to maintain.
They’ll give your yard extra color, provide privacy from nosy neighbors, reduce noise pollution from busy streets, and help you cut down on energy costs by providing shade in the summertime.
As an added bonus, the birds and squirrels will love them too!
Source: @jael.prothro via Instagram4. Jazz Up The Fence With A Side Landscape
Jazz up any fence with side landscaping that frames it perfectly; this can range from pretty plants in boxes and planters to mediums like rocks, gravel beds, and barks.
If you’d like something more visually appealing, then climbing vines on the fence will create a breathtaking effect, while bright flowers like daisies are a great way to add some color and fun, especially when planted around your lawn boundaries.
Choose a range of plant species with varying textures and heights so that you get all-year-round value out of the space.
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Source: @shawlandscapegroup via Instagram5. Decorate The Corners With Evergreens
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Source: @creativelandscapingnirrigation via Instagram6. Dig Up A Cozy Bench Seating With A Landscape
Recessed benches are a space-saving feature that can easily be incorporated into an existing landscape design. Create a recessed bench with stone or brick and fill the space with plants or flowers for a beautiful addition to your outdoor living area.
Not only do recessed benches look lovely, but they also provide an inviting place to relax without worrying about regular upkeep.
Plus, you won’t need to worry about mowing or weeding under the recessed bench either – just enjoy the new relaxing spot with minimal effort!
Source: @smartchoicelandscapesandpools via Instagram7. Add Creative Lighting To Highlight The Landscape
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Source: @sampearsongardenprojects via Instagram8. Pave The Way With Wildflowers
Summer is the perfect time to add a little outdoor flare to your home with low-maintenance landscaping. If you want a beautiful and easy-to-maintain garden, it’s time to pave the way with wildflowers. A wildflower garden not only looks great but also requires very minimal care from you, making it an ideal pick if you’re looking for a hassle-free space.
Plant some drought-resistant perennials and annuals, such as marigolds, sunflowers, and daisies; create a path of ornamental grasses or evergreens; or go formal with boxwoods and flowering shrubs. By getting creative with texture and colors, your wildflower oasis will have you feeling at ease all summer long!
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