The low-maintenance garden – landscaping tips to save time and money

A beautifully landscaped yard can enhance your enjoyment of your home as well as its curb appeal, providing a peaceful and manageable retreat that can be enjoyed for years to come. 

However, maintaining a lush and attractive outdoor space often requires significant time, effort, and expense and, for many homeowners, the solution lies in a landscaping approach that minimises upkeep while still delivering beauty and functionality. 

With smart planning, the right plant choices and efficient use of resources, you can achieve a garden that’s easy to care for and kind to your wallet.

1. Embrace Drought-Resistant Plants

Drought-resistant plants are the backbone of a low-maintenance landscape. These hardy plants thrive in dry conditions, requiring less water and care than traditional garden varieties.

The advantages include reduced water usage, lower utility bills, and decreased dependency on irrigation systems. Drought-resistant plants also tend to be pest-resistant, minimising the need for chemical treatments.

Top Choices: Succulents, lavender, rosemary, agave, and ornamental grasses are excellent options. Many native plants, which are naturally adapted to your local climate, are also drought-tolerant and ideal for low-maintenance gardens.

Design Tip: Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together. This approach, known as hydrozoning, ensures efficient watering and better growth.

2. Incorporate Hardscaping Features

Hardscaping involves using non-living elements like stone, wood, and gravel to create structure and reduce the amount of lawn or garden area requiring maintenance.

Hardscaping eliminates the need for mowing, fertilising, and regular watering in these areas. It also provides durability and can define outdoor spaces, making your yard more functional.

Popular Hardscaping Options:

• Stone pathways or patios
• Gravel beds or crushed stone instead of grass
• Raised garden beds with wood or concrete borders
• Retaining walls or decorative boulders for visual interest

Design Tip: Opt for permeable pavers for patios and pathways. They allow rainwater to seep through, reducing runoff and helping maintain soil health.

3. Install a Smart Irrigation System

Watering can be one of the most labour-intensive aspects of yard maintenance, especially in warmer months. Smart irrigation systems simplify this process and optimise water usage.

Smart irrigation minimises water waste, reduces utility bills, and ensures consistent care for your plants without manual intervention. If a smart system isn’t within your budget, consider drip irrigation. These systems deliver water directly to the roots of plants, cutting down on evaporation and overwatering.

Features of Smart Irrigation Systems:

• Automated schedules tailored to your yard's needs
• Weather sensors that adjust watering based on rainfall or temperature
• Zone-specific watering for plants with different requirements

4. Use Mulch to your Advantage

Mulch is a simple but highly effective tool for reducing yard maintenance. It acts as a protective layer for soil, offering a host of benefits.

Organic options include bark, wood chips, or straw, and inorganic choices like rubber mulch or gravel. Spread mulch 2–3 inches thick around plants, trees, and shrubs. Avoid piling it against plant stems to prevent rot.

Benefits:

• Retains soil moisture, reducing the need for frequent watering
• Suppresses weed growth, cutting down on manual weeding
• Improves soil quality (for organic mulches) as it decomposes
• Provides a polished, clean look to garden beds.

5. Opt for Indigenous Plants

Native plants are adapted to the local environment, making them easier to care for and more resilient to pests and diseases. They also support local wildlife, including pollinators like bees and butterflies.

In South Africa, plants like fynbos, aloes and proteas are perfect for creating a stunning, low-maintenance garden that’s both drought-tolerant and eco-friendly.

6. Reduce Lawn Size

Traditional lawns demand regular mowing, fertilising, and watering, making them one of the most time- and resource-intensive parts of any yard. Reducing or eliminating lawn areas can drastically cut maintenance efforts, lower equipment maintenance costs and leave you with more time to enjoy your garden rather than working on it.

Alternatives to Grass:

• Ground covers like clover, creeping thyme, or moss
• Artificial turf for a green look without the upkeep
• Hardscaped courtyards or garden beds with drought-tolerant plants.

7. Prune Smart, Not Hard

Proper pruning techniques can reduce the frequency of maintenance and keep your plants healthy and attractive. Invest in quality pruning shears and hedge trimmers to make the task quicker and easier and for shrubs and hedges, opt for slow-growing varieties to minimise the frequency of pruning.

How to Prune Smartly:

• Choose plants that naturally maintain their shape to reduce the need for frequent trimming.
• Prune during the dormant season (typically winter) to encourage healthier growth in the spring.
• Remove dead or damaged branches promptly to prevent pests or diseases from spreading.

8. Plant in Layers for Visual Appeal with Minimal Effort

A well-planned, layered garden design can add depth and interest while being easy to maintain. The layered approach reduces the need for constant replanting and ensures your garden looks full and lush year-round.

Layering Tips:

• Use low-growing ground covers at the front.
• Add medium-height shrubs or ornamental grasses in the middle.
• Place taller trees or plants at the back.

9. Add Functional Outdoor Features

9. Add Functional Outdoor Features

Incorporating functional elements like outdoor seating, fire pits, or water features can enhance your yard's usability while reducing plant-focused maintenance.

Choose features that complement your home's style and are made from durable, weather-resistant materials to minimise repairs.

Feature Ideas:

• A gravel courtyard with a fire pit and benches
• Pergolas or gazebos for shaded seating
• A small pond or fountain with low-maintenance aquatic plants

Creating a low-maintenance garden doesn’t mean sacrificing beauty or functionality. A well-thought-out low-maintenance yard not only saves time and money but also promotes sustainability—helping you enjoy a greener, stress-free lifestyle. Start small, make intentional choices, and transform your yard into an oasis of ease and beauty.