Everyone deserves a lovely and relaxing garden to go along with their home, should they want it. However, some people simply are not inclined to put in the level of care that a garden typically demands. Does that mean that they should do without? Not necessarily. Here, we’ll look at some ways you can ensure that you have the garden you want, but without having to put as much work into keeping it in better condition for longer.
(Featured image Source – CC0 License)
Get Yourself A Robot
One of the biggest wins for those who absolutely hate having to go out to mow the lawn in the summer is a robotic lawn mower that automatically cuts your lawn for you on a set schedule. Some are designed to trim just a little off the top each time they go out, so that the grass clippings fall naturally into the soil and fertilize it, while others can scoop up the clippings alongside any other leaves or debris so that, when it’s done, all you have to do is empty the receptacle. A lot of them are even designed to be able to handle obstacles and slopes well, but make sure that you choose the model that’s best suited to your garden.
Add A Smart Irrigation System
When the sun is high in the sky, you need to be out there with a hose, but it can take a long time to make sure that every inch of the garden, as well as all of your flowers and plants, gets the appropriate hydration they need. Not only can a smart irrigation system do the watering for you, but it can make sure that you’re consistent, ensuring every part of the garden gets how much it needs without you having to do the guesswork. The “smart” part of a smart irrigation system can have it operate on set schedules, with different watering needs for different parts of the garden, and can even adjust its program based on the weather and soil moisture levels, when paired with the right sensors.
Choose Hardier Plants
If your problem is that you have to spend a lot of time caring for individual plants, ensuring not just that they get the water they need but that the soil is perfectly managed to help them flourish, then choosing different plants could be the way to go. Native plants are always a good choice, as they’re naturally suited to your climate and the soil conditions that are natural to it, meaning they typically need less fertilizer, pest control, and care across the board. On the other hand, drought-proof varieties like succulents and ornamental grasses are designed to stay healthy and vibrant even during dry spells. They’re not necessarily going to look dry either, as there are some great flowering drought-proof plants like lavender.
Get Some Help
If you want a full and beautiful garden that is well-maintained throughout the year, but you’re just not able to or not well-suited to taking care of it yourself, there’s nothing wrong with getting a little help. Companies like Knothead Tree and Lawn Care can help ensure that your lawn is thriving with checks and routine care, while taking care of bushes, trees, and other parts of the garden that you might not have all of the knowledge to handle yourself. Some people do get a sense of accomplishment and ownership by looking after their own gardens day in and day out, but there are plenty of others who see it as nothing more than a necessary chore and a means to an end. If you fall into that latter category, get yourself some help.
Image Source – CC0 License
Install An Artificial Lawn
If you’re totally done with mowing and watering as a concept, then the artificial lawn might be the ultimate low-maintenance solution for your garden. It is worth noting that no, they do not feel exactly like real grass, but these systems have been getting more sophisticated and lifelike in recent years. Modern synthetic turf looks fantastic and doesn’t need any mowing, edging, irrigation, or care at all, besides occasionally brushing or rinsing to clear away debris. The major barrier for those who might benefit is that they can be costly to install, but compare that to the work, time, and money you might spend on caring for a lawn over the coming years, and many see it as a very reasonable investment.
Give Yourself Fewer Planting Areas To Deal With
Just as an artificial lawn can give you less grass to have to care for, investing in more hardscaping for the garden cn help you maintain an intentional aesthetic but without as many planting areas to hve to deal with. Installing a patio, creating a new gravel path, or even opting for a rock garden instead can cut down down on the amount of space that needs more routine care. These aren’t entirely without the need for maintenance, as you might need a power washing now and then to get rid of grime and moss, but that’s a lot less than is necessary to take care of more organic areas.
Don’t Skip Out on The Mulch
If you don’t want to replace the organic parts of the garden, but you don’t want to have to spend as much time managing the soil or digging out the weeds, then mulching your garden beds can help you cut down on your workload significantly. A thick layer of mulch blocks sunlight from reaching weed seeds, drastically reducing growth. It also slows evaporation, meaning plants stay hydrated longer with less frequent watering. Organic mulches like wood chips, shredded bark, or compost can even feed the soil, adding nutrients to it as they break down. However, they do have to be replaced more often as a result.
There might not be such a thing as a garden that requires no work at all, but with the tips above, you can at least make sure that you don’t have to do it all yourself. That can give you enough time to actually use and spend time in the space.
