Landscaping for Beginners
Many people have turned to gardening and landscaping as ways to pass the time during this time of social distancing. Although yards may be looking better than they ever have, it may be difficult to keep up with things once the hustle and bustle of life have returned. If you have developed – or strive to develop – a green thumb as the summer winds down, practice these tips for keeping low-maintenance landscaping that you can keep up with.
Let Environmental Factors Dictate Your Landscaping
The first step to achieving low-maintenance landscaping is to rely on the environment to sustain it. Look into which plants thrive where you are located to guide you toward the best options. One great way to do this is to determine which USDA Plant Hardiness Zone you are in and buy plants that include that zone. If you are buying a plant to go in a shaded area, don’t buy a plant that needs full sun to thrive. Likewise, maintaining a lush green lawn in the desert will require a lot of futile effort, so consider other landscape-friendly options.
Choose Low-Maintenance Plants
Everyone loves the beauty flowers bring, but most people only consider their beauty when choosing flowers. Sure roses are gorgeous to look at, but they require regular pruning and specific fertilizer needs. Look into flowers that thrive in your region and choose flowers that are simple to maintain. Some popular low-maintenance greenery includes hostas, ferns, and perennial flowers such as Shasta daisies, black-eyed Susans, lavender, day lilies, and perennial geraniums. Remember to choose flowers that are appropriate for your zone.
Consider More-Durable Options
When making improvements to your hardscaping, consider the options that will hold up to conditions outside and require less maintenance as time goes on. While building a deck, consider installing a Trex deck or other composite that will hold up to the elements. Although these may be more expensive up front, it will require minimal upkeep and will withstand outdoor conditions much better than a traditional wood deck. Consider using rock or stone in place of mulch in garden beds. This will keep you from having to install new mulch each year, it will also help keep weeds at bay.
Install a Sprinkler System
A great way to cut down on your work outside is to install a sprinkler system. Install a system that is designed to water your lawn and your garden beds. To make things even easier, consider installing a “smart” sprinkler system that can be controlled through an app on your mobile device. This means you can control its schedule from your phone even while you’re away from home. There are even sprinkler options that only come on when it hasn’t rained – a great water saver!
Your home can have beautiful landscaping without spending numerous back-breaking hours to maintain it. Make wise choices that allow you to enjoy the hobby of gardening and landscaping without it becoming a chore and your yard will continue to look great when it is time to sell.