Simplify Your Garden with These Low-Maintenance Tips

Creating a beautiful garden doesn’t have to mean spending hours every week on upkeep and The Home & Garden Store is here to give you some advice on creating a low maintenance landscape. Over the past 50 years in the nursery and landscape business, I’ve learned that with a few smart choices, you can enjoy a thriving outdoor space that feels peaceful and inviting without the constant work. Whether you’re starting fresh or looking to simplify your current garden, these low-maintenance gardening tips will help you create a space that’s both lovely and easy to care for.

Easy Low-Maintenance Gardening Tips to Get You Started

When I first started to simplify the gardens of a few customers who requested low-maintenance gardening, I focused on choosing plants and materials that naturally require less attention. Here are some of the best ways to keep your garden looking great with minimal effort:

• Choose native plants: Native plants are adapted to your local climate and soil. They need less water, fertilizer, and pest control. Plus, they support local wildlife.

• Use mulch generously: Mulch helps retain moisture, suppress weeds, and improve soil health. Organic mulches like bark or wood chips break down slowly and add nutrients.

• Group plants by water needs: This makes watering easier and more efficient. You won’t waste water on plants that don’t need it.

• Install drip irrigation: A drip system delivers water directly to the roots, reducing evaporation and runoff.

• Opt for perennials over annuals: Perennials come back year after year, saving you the time and money of replanting.

Native plants and mulch in a low-maintenance garden bed

These simple steps can transform your garden into a low-maintenance haven.

Native plants and mulch in a low-maintenance garden bed

What is the 3 Year Rule in Gardening?

One gardening principle that really helped me was the 3-year rule. It’s a simple guideline to keep your garden healthy and manageable:

• Year 1: Focus on planting and establishing your garden. Choose hardy plants and give them time to settle in.

• Year 2: Watch how your plants grow and adjust your care routine. This is the time to prune, divide, or replace plants that aren’t thriving.

• Year 3: By now, your garden should be mostly self-sustaining. You can reduce watering and feeding, and focus on light maintenance like deadheading and occasional weeding.

This rule encourages patience and observation. It reminds me that a garden is a living thing that changes over time. Don’t rush to overhaul it every season. Instead, give your plants time to mature and find their rhythm.

Gardener pruning a perennial plant in a garden

Smart Plant Choices for a Low-Maintenance Garden

Picking the right plants is key to reducing your garden chores. Here are some favorites that combine beauty with ease:

• Succulents and cacti: Perfect for dry areas, they need very little water and thrive in sunny spots.

• Lavender: This fragrant herb is drought-tolerant and attracts pollinators.

• Hosta's: Great for shady areas, hosta's require minimal care and come in many sizes and colors.

• Daylilies: These perennials bloom reliably and tolerate a range of conditions.

• Ornamental grasses: They add texture and movement, and most are drought-resistant.

When you plant, think about how each species fits your garden’s conditions. Group plants with similar needs together to make care easier. Also, consider plants that don’t need frequent deadheading or pruning.

Succulents and ornamental grasses in a low-maintenance garden bed

Practical Tips to Keep Your Garden Simple and Beautiful

• Use hardscaping: Paths, patios, and rock gardens reduce the area that needs watering and weeding.

• Limit lawn size: Lawns can be high maintenance. Consider replacing some grass with ground covers or bark or rock mulch.

• Choose easy-care containers: Pots with self-watering features or made from materials that retain moisture help reduce watering.

• Keep tools handy and organized: When tools are easy to find, quick tasks don’t become big chores.

• Schedule regular, but short maintenance sessions: Spending 10-15 minutes a day or a couple of times a week keeps problems small.

These small habits add up. I find that a little bit of regular care prevents big headaches later.

Embrace the Joy of a Low-Maintenance Garden

Simplifying your garden doesn’t mean giving up on beauty or creativity. It means working smarter, not harder. By choosing the right plants, using smart watering techniques, and planning your space thoughtfully, you can enjoy a garden that feels like a retreat without the stress.

Remember, gardening is a journey. Celebrate the small wins, like a new bloom or a weed-free bed. And don’t hesitate to seek advice or inspiration from The Home & Garden Store, we are your local experts in the gardening industry. Over the past 50 years, we have developed many avid gardening friends and are always here to help you.  During the spring and summer months, we find ourselves quite busy at the garden center, At times it may be easier to email us through our website, www.thehomeandgardenstore.com with your gardening questions.

Happy gardening! Your peaceful, beautiful garden is just a few simple steps away.

Charlie Hartman - Idaho Certified Nurseryman

The Home & Garden Store - Boise, Idaho

Phone: 208.917.4820