Rethinking “Low Maintenance”
As someone who has spent years designing and maintaining gardens, I’ve learned that the term “low maintenance” is about as clear as mud. It’s a phrase that gets tossed around a lot, but the reality is, what one person considers low maintenance could be a downright nightmare for someone else.
Take my friend Raul, for example. He’s the kind of guy who loves nothing more than puttering around in the garden, deadheading his roses and carefully pruning his hedges. For him, that’s not work – it’s a labor of love. Meanwhile, my husband practically breaks out in hives at the mere thought of picking up a pair of pruners. So when a client tells me they want a “low maintenance” yard, I know I need to dig a little deeper to understand what that actually means to them.
Sometimes, “low maintenance” is really code for “I want to write a check and never think about this yard again.” And you know what? I can respect that. If that’s the case, I’ll recommend a portfolio of tough, carefree plants that can basically take care of themselves, with the occasional visit from a maintenance crew to give things a quick tidy-up. Easy peasy.
But for others, “low maintenance” might mean something more along the lines of, “I want to be able to enjoy being out in the garden, but I don’t want it to feel like a chore.” In that scenario, we’ll need to find a balance – plants that are relatively fuss-free, but also spark joy when you’re out there puttering. Because let’s be real, a garden shouldn’t feel like a burden. It should be a place to relax, recharge, and connect with nature.
As one landscape designer pointed out, the definition of “low maintenance” can also vary depending on your context. In places where labor is inexpensive and readily available, like Los Angeles, a formal garden with hedges and lawns could absolutely be considered low maintenance, because hiring someone to maintain it is a breeze. But in other areas, that same type of garden might be a soul-sucking nightmare.
The point is, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to low maintenance landscaping. It’s all about understanding your client’s unique needs, lifestyle, and personal preferences. Are they the type who loves to get their hands dirty, or do they just want to bask in the beauty of their outdoor space without the hassle? Either way, ABC Home can help you create a yard that fits your vision.
Choosing the Right Low Maintenance Plants
Okay, so you’ve figured out what “low maintenance” means to you. Now the fun part – selecting the perfect plants to bring that vision to life. And let me tell you, there are some real gems out there that can give you a gorgeous, carefree yard with minimal effort.
One of my personal favorites is the humble succulent. As this video highlights, succulents are pretty much the poster children for low maintenance plants. They’re drought-tolerant, require infrequent watering, and many species don’t even need to be pruned. Just plunk them in the ground (or in a container), and let them do their thing.
Another great option is ornamental grasses. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Genevieve, don’t those need to be cut back every spring?” And you’re absolutely right. But hear me out. While it’s true that ornamental grasses do require a bit of an annual tidy-up, the rest of the year, they’re essentially maintenance-free. Just let them sway in the breeze and enjoy their fluffy, ever-changing beauty. Plus, the cleanup process, while a bit time-consuming, can actually be kind of meditative. There’s something satisfying about cutting those tall, sturdy stems down to the ground and starting fresh.
And let’s not forget about native plants. As this video explains, native species are often perfectly adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, which means they require far less fussing than their non-native counterparts. They generally don’t need to be watered once established, and many are even drought-tolerant. Plus, they provide invaluable habitat and food sources for local pollinators and wildlife. It’s a win-win for you and Mother Nature.
Now, I know what you’re thinking – “But Genevieve, won’t my yard just end up looking like a boring, monotonous sea of green?” Not at all! There are so many diverse, eye-catching native plants out there, from colorful wildflowers to vibrant shrubs. And the best part is, you don’t have to limit yourself to a traditional lawn. As this Reddit post discusses, you can get creative with groundcovers, meadow-style plantings, and even edible landscapes. The possibilities are endless!
Mixing it Up for Maximum Impact
Of course, when it comes to low maintenance landscaping, it’s not just about picking the right plants – it’s also about how you arrange them. After all, a yard filled with nothing but succulents or ornamental grasses, as beautiful as they may be, can start to feel a bit one-note after a while.
That’s why I always recommend mixing things up, both in terms of plant types and textures. Incorporate a variety of heights, shapes, and colors to create visual interest and depth. Maybe you’ve got a row of tall, swaying grasses as the backdrop, with a few sculptural agave plants in the middle ground, and a carpet of low-growing sedum cascading over the edges. Or perhaps you’ve got a lush, cottage-style garden filled with a riot of native wildflowers, punctuated by the bold, architectural forms of yucca and sotol.
And don’t be afraid to get a little playful with your plantings. As this video demonstrates, you can use low maintenance plants to create all sorts of whimsical and unexpected features, like living walls, edible borders, or even a “meadow” on a steep slope. The key is to think outside the box and have fun with it.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to create a space that you genuinely enjoy spending time in. Because let’s be real, if you’re not excited about being out in your yard, it’s going to feel like a chore, no matter how “low maintenance” it is. So take the time to really understand what sparks joy for you, whether that’s watching butterflies flit among the flowers, harvesting fresh produce, or simply basking in the peaceful ambiance of your own little oasis.
Because with the right low maintenance plants and a bit of creative flair, you can transform your yard into a true sanctuary – a place to recharge, reconnect, and revel in the beauty of the great outdoors. And who knows, you might just find yourself looking for excuses to spend more time out there, getting your hands dirty and embracing the simple pleasures of yard work.
