9 No-Fuss Tips to Create a Beautiful Low-Maintenance Garden - Hunter Springs Landscape Artisans, Syracuse NY

Do you love the idea of having a beautiful ornamental garden, but don't have the time or patience to invest in meticulous upkeep? If we're being honest, most of us would prefer to spend more time enjoying our garden and less time working in it. Luckily, with a little bit of planning and some clever tips, it's possible to create a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that requires minimal effort. In this post, we'll share 10 no-fuss tips to help you create a stunning garden that will be the envy of your neighborhood, without the hassle of constant upkeep.

Install automatic irrigation

The summer heat can be demanding on your Central New York gardens but you don’t have to suffer as a result. Installing an irrigation system is surprisingly affordable and offers efficient water usage with less waste and with appropriate watering practices. So, forget about dragging hoses around and potentially harming your plants, temporary irrigation systems can make watering easy. enjoyable and convenient with automation.  We can even help you find the perfect system and install it correctly so your garden stays happy and healthy. 

Don't forget the mulch

Adding a layer of mulch around your plants can help to retain moisture and suppress weeds. The mulch acts as a barrier for seeds to grow and adds organic matter to the soil as it decomposes. Not only will this save you time and effort, but it will also help your garden look more polished.

Selecting native plants

Unlock your garden's potential by learning about the native plants already growing in your area! Get a head start on designing an amazing outdoor space that best suits its surroundings.  Native plants are perfectly adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, making them low maintenance by nature. They also provide habitat for local wildlife and help to support biodiversity.

Don't just settle for any old garden - try something special by creating a native getaway!

Incorporate evergreen plants

Incorporating evergreen plants into your garden design provides structure and year-round interest in the form of color, texture and even privacy.  Evergreens such as Boxwood, microbiota, and hollies are excellent choices for our hardiness zone, but remember to consider how tall and wide the plant will mature too, as many are fast-growing and could require regular maintenance.  The great thing about evergreen shrubs is that there are many varieties available to perfectly compliment your garden.

Avoid high-maintenance additions

When landscaping your property, it’s important to consider how much of it will be covered by elements such as grass or hard surfaces and what maintenance level you would like. If there is a greater amount of natural surroundings – think wooded areas or meadows - then the budget towards landscape maintenance may need adjusting accordingly. Don't forget that other garden components like pergolas, arbors, fencing, or garden walls with climbing plants, must also form part of this decision-making process!

Properly space plants

Properly spacing plants will allow them to grow to their natural size without overcrowding. Knowing the mature plant size will allow a full garden and minimize weed growth. How you ask? Planting your perennials close to one another within the growth habits will do two things for you, 1. Provide strong batches of color and two limits sun to the ground where weeds tend to grow. 2. Lack of sun will shut out weed growth opportunities. This will save time and effort by minimizing the need for pruning and reducing the risk of disease and pests.

Regularly monitor and adjust garden needs

Regularly monitor your garden's water, fertilizer, and pest control needs. Pay attention to how your plants are growing and adjust accordingly. By keeping a watchful eye, you can catch potential problems early, before they become major concerns.

Creating a beautiful low-maintenance garden may seem daunting, but by following these 9 simple tips, you can have a garden that looks amazing with minimal effort. By carefully planning your layout, choosing the right plants, and utilizing smart design choices, you can enjoy your garden without the stress of constant upkeep. And if it ever starts to feel like a burden, you can rely on our plant-loving professionals to take on your garden care. Our garden maintenance program allows you to be flexible in how often we visit and how much of the heavy lifting we take on for you. Give us a call to learn more.