The idea of a lush green home garden feels refreshing and beautiful. But only as long as we choose to imagine it. Because the real effort that goes into maintaining a healthy garden is quite strenuous. Some of us have the passion to keep up with physical requirements of landscaping, but many others don’t.
And that’s okay.
Issues like an overwhelming professional and/or personal life often leave little time to properly tend to a garden. In such cases, these patches of green are often left unkempt, or assigned to a professional to look after. The former option eats away your home’s potential value, while the latter calls for investing money you could actually save.
Fortunately, there are several low-maintenance landscaping strategies that allow you to enjoy a beautiful garden. Apart from time and effort, these options save you a great deal of money too. Especially in terms of a decreased water bill; a gift of providence like no other. Particularly in these times of national water scarcity.
In this way, low-maintenance gardens also help you become socially responsible.
Here are a few tips on landscaping a low-maintenance garden in your home:
1.Going local with climate-specific plants
Native plants and grass are excellent choices if you want to keep your pruning and other maintenance efforts to the minimum. Additionally, such plantations require less watering since they are accustomed to the local climate.
2.Get economical with potted plants
To keep a home garden really low-maintenance, buy more potted plants.
In addition to their low costs, these beauties also create an aesthetically pleasing landscape. Potted plants bring a pop of colour and texture to your garden. And what’s more, they are easy to move around in case adjustments for sunlight are required. This easy mobility also allows you to clear the space quickly, if you’re in the mood for a garden party.
3.Invest in some artificial grass
Some of the latest landscaping innovations call for investing in artificial grass turfs.
High-quality synthetic turfs offer several benefits. They don’t require watering, but remain lush green all year round. Also, with their use, you will never have to worry about the cost and effort of lawn mowing.
You may worry about the hygiene profile of such turfs. But ordering from a reputed brand, and getting installations managed by professionals, normally checks this concern.
Artificial grass turfs will also help to reduce the inflow of muddy tracks inside your home. These become a particular issue in homes with a lot of kids and pets.
4.Focus on more hardscaping
It is logical to assume that little landscaping will require little maintenance. But then how will you have a garden worth viewing, if that’s your modus operandi?
The trick is to invest in decorative hardscaping.
Patios and pathways made from brick, stone, or concrete pavers have their own way of adding beauty and value to your home. Also, outdoor furniture, potted plants, and other well-executed design elements can enhance the look of any patio.
5.Plant succulents and perennials
Many people love growing succulents as indoor plants. Fortunately, they also fare well for your low-maintenance garden. Their water-retention properties keep them thriving, so you’re not required to stand by the hose all the time. They also make your garden livelier with their added texture and colour.
Some common favourites include the Aloe Vera, Roseum, and Burro’s Tail varieties.
On the other hand, if you fancy low-maintenance flowers, go for perennials.
These differ from annuals and biennials, which are short-lived plant species. Perennials bloom throughout spring and summer, die in autumn and winter, but make a comeback in the next spring cycle from their rootstock.
6.Store rainwater
Water shortage is fast becoming a serious national concern in Pakistan (if not the world over). It is part of our social responsibility to take appropriate actions to reduce current water usage. On the other hand, plantations promote a healthy ecosystem – and not just for human beings.
You can deal with both of these issues by storing rainwater.
Start by placing decorative wooden barrels/tubs in your garden. You can use the stored rainwater for watering your plants, instead of relying on the watering hose.
If you’ve got some ideas of your own on creating a low-maintenance and environment-friendly garden, share them in the comments section below. We’d love to hear from you!
