Lovely low-maintenance garden ideas for your home

Your garden should be a place to unwind, bask in the Lowveld's glorious weather, and enjoy the wonders of nature. And with some thoughtful choices, it can require minimum effort to get the maximum pleasure out of your space. Kellaprince Properties has some low-maintenance garden tips that bring smiles rather than stress. Whether you want to grow your space efficiently or pass over the pain of adding to your to-do list, this guide will show you how. 

Choose fuss-free foliage 

Start smart by planting plants that are hardy and require little attention to look good. Azaleas, salvias, clivias, camellias, and different types of succulents do well in the Lowveld region. By picking ground cover plants, you can cut back on weeding as these will cover up the space they would need to pop up. You should also ask your local nursery about plants and trees that will attract natural predators for common pests like slugs and snails.

Rock out with your rock garden 

If you hardly have the time to pull out a watering can, the chances are your garden is a dust patch. Why not adapt to the situation with a rock garden? Combining large rocks, pebbles, and some drought-resistant plants and succulents can create a visually stunning space. Add colour with gorgeous aloes, agapanthuses, and strelitzias. For your stones, stick to natural colours rather than bright colours for a chic look. 

Raise your hand to raised beds

These are freestanding garden beds constructed above ground level, and they are truly a blessing for the easy-going gardener. Not only do the extra height and frames add interest to your garden, but it also offers plenty of benefits. The height means you'll have to bend less to tend to plants or pull out weeds. They can be easily fitted with an irrigation system to keep plants hydrated. Plus, your treasured plants will gain more protection from pests.

Make magic with mulching

Stop weeds in their tracks by covering bare ground with a layer of mulch. There are different types you can consider; gravel or bark work well to prevent seeds from springing up and giving you extra work. Mulch also plays an important role in stopping water from evaporating, adds fertiliser to soil as it breaks down, and neatens up your flower beds. The big benefit is you don't have to mow or water them; simply spread it and forget about it.

Wash away your watering woes

These days there are plenty of timer-based automatic watering systems designed to keep your garden watered. Many can even work with apps on your phone, so you can soak your plants without leaving the comfort of your favourite chair. The added perk is these systems can be programmed to provide optimal watering. If cost is an issue, you can fashion your own DIY system by drilling holes into an old hose, adding a cap to one end, and placing it strategically in your garden. 

Skip the lawn maintenance

Lawn upkeep can drain significant time from your schedule. By paving a part of it with porcelain or natural stone slabs, you can give a stylish look to your garden. A sweep and scrub every now and then can keep it in good condition. If you can't bear to give up your green patch, why not switch it for beautiful artificial grass? It will save hours of mowing, watering, feeding, fertilising, and seeding. Plus, it's durable enough for kids and pets to play on without the downsides of them traipsing dirt into the house.

Go potty over potted plants

No garden space? No problem! Container gardens are a popular way for those with apartments and limited yard space to indulge their green thumbs. They have the benefit of minimising weed upkeep, heavy garden tool maintenance, and watering time. You can also find self-watering plant pots online that nourish plants without effort on your part. Hang them, add them on your window sill, place them at your front entrance, or mix them into your garden for a sculptural look. 

Create the ideal outdoor experience

When setting up your garden, you don't need to look to just plants and trees. Having a beautiful patio or deck area with durable furniture can set the scene for fun times. A low-maintenance garden can include firepits, braai areas, or a pergola for those days when you want to relax in the shade with a good book. Consider your needs and add the features that will help you appreciate the beauty of the outdoors. 

Find a home with the garden you want

A garden that works for you (and not the other way around) can help you lead the life you want. Kellaprince Properties' property practitioners are ever ready to pinpoint a home with a low-maintenance patch of green that won't take up endless hours of care. View our properties for sale and get in touch with us today.