Your outdoor space can easily be your sanctuary. It can also be a place to unwind and enjoy nature. With that said, if you do not have the right setup, it can be a source of stress. So stop overgrown plants, patchy lawns, and weeds from getting the better of you. The good news here is that with some thoughtful planning and with some strategic choices, it becomes easier for you to not only create an outdoor space that is beautiful but also functional. If you want some help, then all you have to do is take a look below.
Low-Maintenance Plants
One of the first things you need to do is try and opt for low-maintenance plants. Low-maintenance plants tend to thrive with very little intervention. You can save a lot of time on watering here, and you can minimize having to prune as much.
Perennials, which happen to bloom year after year, are a fantastic investment as you don’t need to worry about replanting them again each year. When they are established, you will also find that they need less care. On top of this, they also provide your garden with a lot of structure, which is always a good thing.
Consider native plants as well. They are more suited to your local climate and soil, which makes them more resistant to pests and less reliant on fertilizer. Drought-tolerant species, including sedum or even ornamental grasses, are also great as they offer both beauty and texture without you having to worry about constant irrigation. Of course, if you can group plants that have similar care requirements, then this is also good, as you can water them with ease while managing them efficiently.
Add Some Mulch and Compost
Another thing you can do is try and add some mulch to your beds. This is a subtle, yet very powerful way for you to reduce the general workload involved with your garden. Mulch is great as it helps you to retain moisture in your soil while suppressing weed growth. It also helps you to regulate the temperature for plant roots.
Organic much, including bark and compost, is also good for improving soil health. It breaks down over time, and if you invest in the right type, then you will soon find that it is easier for you to create a garden that works with nature as opposed to working against it all the time.
Open to Outdoor Space Ideas
You might have dreamt of having a traditional lawn, and there is nothing wrong with this. With that said, regular mowing, edging, and even watering can become overwhelming very quickly. If you find that your lawn requires more effort than you might want to give, then one thing you can do is simply reduce the overall size of your lawn. Replace sections with hardscaping or even flower beds. You can also plant areas to try and cut down on maintenance, too.
Durable Hardscaping
Integrating hardscaping into your outdoor area is another way for you to streamline maintenance while adding a lot of structure and style. Features like this look attractive, and they also limit areas that require a lot of care. Of course, hardscaping replaces grass and soil with things that do not need weeding or mowing as well.
When the time comes for you to choose materials for hardscaping, opt for weather-resistant ones, as well as make sure that you choose ones that last for a long time. You may also find that gravel is an option. The great thing about gravel is that it is very easy to install, and it stays in place with the right edging. This allows for natural draining, which will save you a lot of effort.
Keep the Outdoor Space Simple
Furniture plays a huge part in how much you enjoy your outdoor space. It can also contribute quite a lot to your maintenance burden if you choose it wisely. Try and opt for materials that are designed to withstand elements, including resin or wicker. Materials like this are not only durable, but they are also resistant to mold and rust.
Choosing fewer, but more functional pieces can also help you to reduce clutter as well as cleaning. If you can, opt for cushions and fabric that are weather-resistant, and store them away during harsh weather. If your outdoor area is exposed to the elements, then it may be a good idea for you to invest in protective covers or even storage solutions. A simple deck box can be used to store your cushions and your garden tools. You might also want to store your furniture according to what you use regularly, and what is made to last.
Install Smart Irrigation
Watering can be a tedious aspect of garden maintenance. This is especially the case during dry spells. If you have a smart system that helps you with irrigation, then this will help a lot. Drip irrigation and soaker hoses are great as they can deliver water directly to the roots of your plants. Not only does this help to reduce waste, but it also helps to ensure more consistent results overall.
Even better, systems like this can be automated and connected to weather apps so you can change the schedule based on the current temperature. You can also use timers as well as smart controls as a way to try and set different zones, which is helpful if you have a lot of things that you need to try and make sure get watered properly.
Choose your Containers
Container gardening is great if you have a very small outdoor space or if you have an area where planting in the ground isn’t as practical. Large containers tend to retain moisture for much longer, and they also don’t dry out as fast, which is always a good thing. Using self-watering planters can also be a good idea. It offers a reservoir system that helps to give the plants water as and when they need it.
Grouping different containers also creates a nice focal point, while ensuring that it is easy for you to care for everything. Think about using succulents as well as hardy annuals if you can. This is a good way for you to make sure that you are always opting for low-maintenance plants, and it also helps you to be more strategic with things.
Revisit Your Design
Sometimes, the best and easiest way for you to make your outdoor space much easier to manage would be for you to try and revisit your design. You need to make sure that you don’t go for something picture-perfect, and that you also think in terms of function. If you can do this, then you will soon find that it is easier than ever for you to get the result you want and that you can also save a lot of money.
If you want to take things to that next level, then one thing you can do is ask yourself what it is you want out of your garden and be realistic about your budget and time. This way, you can avoid overspending while making sure that you are always putting your money into the right places. You can also make sure that you are not making it higher maintenance than it needs to be, which is again a very good thing.
