Is your garden being neglected because you can’t be bothered with the ongoing maintenance that it requires? There is no doubt about it, having a nice looking garden can take a lot of time and effort. If neglected for too long, it can become overgrown and unsightly, and you will probably be less inclined to use it. The good news is, there are many things you can do which will allow you to have the garden of your dreams but without the hassle of regular upkeep. Here are 4 ways to create a beautiful, maintenance-free garden.
Decking
Decking is a great way to create a raised seating and dining area in your garden and isn’t particularly costly to install. That’s probably why the majority of households have decking of some sort. It’s a handy spot for barbeques or lounging in the sun, and is the perfect place to do a bit of outdoor socializing with friends. It does, however, need to be looked after. If it isn’t cleaned regularly, it can become slimy and slippery, particularly when it’s raining. It’s also important for the wood to be treated every year or so to prevent rotting. If all of this puts you off then fear not, composite decking could be the answer to your prayers!
Composite decking is made with a combination of wood fiber and plastic and so is practically maintenance-free. From solid grey tones to light and dark wood effect, composite decking comes in a variety of colors and will look stylish and welcoming in any garden. Cleaning is a breeze, and no treatments are necessary. You will pay a lot more for composite decking, but it will last for years, and all it needs is a bit of cleaning from time to time.
Garden design features
There are several ways to add design features to your garden that require little to no maintenance, but will make a huge impact. Outdoor water fountains are particularly popular with those who prefer minimal effort because once in place they require little upkeep. They are not only lovely to look at, but the constant trickling sounds also provide many sensory benefits.
There’s a wide range of water fountains available to suit all garden sizes and monetary budgets, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding one that’s right for you. Table fountains will add a lovely design element to your patio or decking area, and outdoor water fountains for the wall will provide an instant wow factor.
Wind sculptures, garden statues, and sundials are also very popular and are a great way to add maintenance-free design elements to your garden.
Artificial lawn
Although many people prefer the look and feel of natural grass, cutting, edging, and tending to a lawn takes a lot of time and patience. Artificial grass is most certainly the way to go if you want something that looks beautiful and is maintenance-free. It provides a modern and fresh look all year round and will not fade or burn in the sun. Due to it being made from polyethylene, a type of plastic, it is not as environmentally friendly as a natural lawn. Many would argue that, over its lifespan, it balances out as it doesn’t need to be sprayed with chemicals such as weed killers, and there’s no need to fuel a lawnmower.
It comes in a variety of different qualities, so it’s worthwhile spending some time looking at samples before making your choice. The cheaper it is, the more fake your garden will look, so it’s worthwhile spending as much as you can to get a pretty realistic looking lawn.
Add an array of color with flowers
There are many ways to add flowers to your garden without it involving regular maintenance. Self-watering planters use a reservoir and wicking system to deliver to your plants on demand. Just fill the reservoir every few days and let the planter do the rest.
Hanging baskets can be purchased from most gardening stores and will provide an instant pop of color to your outdoor space. They will need to be watered regularly, but it takes seconds and that’s pretty much all you have to do. Placed at either side of your garden entrance, they provide a lovely welcome and will look great throughout the summer.
Flowers such as Impatiens, Angelonia, or Lantana, can be added to individual pots and planters throughout your garden and, as they are self-cleaning, will require no deadheading at all. Flowers thrive in differing conditions, so it’s worthwhile finding out what will best suit your garden. If you have a lot of shaded areas, find a plant that works well with little sun. Similarly, if your garden is a sun trap, you will want something that doesn’t struggle with a lack of water, or you could find yourself having to tend to them regularly.