Low Maintenance Gardening Tips

Low maintenance gardens are a keenly sought after goal for many people - a garden that almost looks after itself would seem to be a distant dream, but it isn't! The low maintenance and 'care free' garden need not be colourless or boring because there are many plant alternatives available which require minimal attention.

There have been many advances in gardening science and technology recently, and a lot of this is dedicated to reducing work in the garden. Plants are becoming more disease-resistant, and the process of regularly feeding and watering your plants can be automated to a high degree.

Imagine being able to have more time to enjoy relaxing in your garden rather than working in it! Well, here's the good news... you can! By following even a few of the ideas presented here, you will be able to be helping to create a low maintenance garden for yourself.

Low Maintenance Design

	Examine the type and condition of the soil, and also exposure and drainage so that you can plan around the limitations imposed by these physical constraints. If you need help, we can provide a garden survey on your behalf.
	Plan for the future now and you will save time and money later on. Work out what you need from your garden today, and what the future might hold.
	Designing your planting layout, try to cut down on areas of open bedding, in particular those areas which you will regularly change (eg: areas for annuals).
	Planning borders and beds, allow for easy access to all areas of the bed using paths or stepping stones. This will mean you never need to tread on (and compact) the soil.
	Choose your plants carefully. Make sure that they are suited to the location they will be planted in. Also try to choose varieties which do not need regular attention to do well.

Soil Preparation

	Prior to doing any planting, dig the bed area thoroughly to as great a depth as possible (at least 30cm, or 12 inches) and remove all weeds by the roots. Also remove any large stones, rocks or old roots - remember to leave small stones to assist in drainage.
	If you have a heavy clay based soil, dig in some washed sharp sand and/or small gravel, shingle or stones (up to about 10mm in diameter). Add to this some fresh organic matter or compost. This should help separate the soil & improve drainage.
	Feed and enrich the soil before planting your beds to provide your plants with optimum growing conditions. Use compost, and dig it in thoroughly - make sure you use a compost suitable for the plants you wish to use.

Weed Reduction

	Planting ground cover plants between the main 'feature' plants will help keep weeds at bay. This also gives you an added chance to introduce more colour and texture to your garden.
	Cover any bare soil areas within your beds with a bark or wood chip mulch. This will help prevent weeds from growing, and additionally will feed your soil slowly over time.

If you have additional ideas or tips on low maintenance gardening, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please send them to us using the address at the bottom of the page for assessment.