Creating your own garden, whether you’re new to gardening or are a seasoned gardener, can be a daunting task. Sometimes, the question about where to start can haunt you and leave you wondering what you should do next. However, there is always help available and if you’re looking to create an outdoor garden with low maintenance plants this blog is definitely for you!
• Things to Keep in Mind While Creating an Outdoor Garden
1. Know What To Plant
Pre-planning is the way to go when it comes to creating a garden, whether indoors or outdoors. Whether you wish to create a herb, succulent or vegetable garden, knowing what you want to plant through thorough research will solve half your problems.
2. Drought-Tolerant Plants:
Consider drought-tolerant plants that require minimal watering. This not only reduces maintenance but is also environmentally friendly. Mulch around plants to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
3. Right Plant in the Right Place:
Assess your garden’s sunlight, soil, and water conditions. Plant each species where it can naturally thrive. Group plants with similar water and sunlight needs together for easier maintenance.
4. Perennials Over Annuals:
Choose perennial plants as they come back each year, reducing the need for replanting. While annuals can add seasonal color, focus on long-lived perennials for a more sustainable and low-maintenance garden.
5. Low-Growing and Ground Cover Plants:
Select plants that stay low and spread, acting as ground covers. This helps suppress weeds and minimizes the need for regular pruning. Ground covers also protect the soil from erosion and provide a neat appearance.
6. Minimize Lawn Area:
Lawns require regular mowing and maintenance. Consider reducing the size of your lawn and incorporating more low-maintenance garden plants. Use alternative ground covers like clover or ornamental grasses for a less demanding green space.
7. Hardy and Disease-Resistant Varieties:
Opt for hardy plant varieties that can withstand local pests and diseases. Disease-resistant plants require less attention and fewer treatments, which makes them ideal plants for easy maintenance.
8. Minimal Pruning Requirements:
Choose plants that don’t require frequent pruning. This saves time and effort while maintaining a neat garden appearance. Shape garden plants during their dormant seasons to reduce stress on them.
9. Use Containers for Easy Maintenance:
Planting in containers allows for better control over soil conditions and makes it easier to move plants if needed. Containers also help contain the growth of aggressive plants and reduce the chances of them taking over the garden.
Keeping these tips in mind, you will find it easier to move forward with your gardening process. You will also find it more convenient to select plants that will suit all your requirements. Here are a few plants that you can use to create the perfect outdoor garden with low maintenance outdoor plants.
• 10 Succulents for Outdoor Succulent Gardens
1. Sempervivum (Hens and Chicks):
Also known as Houseleeks, these rosette-shaped succulents come in various colors and are known for their resilience. They are cold-hardy and can withstand different climates, making them perfect additions as low maintenance plants for outdoor gardens.
2. Echeveria:
Echeverias are rosette-forming succulents with stunning, fleshy leaves. They come in various sizes and colors, adding a beautiful and diverse touch to your garden.
3. Agave:
Agaves are known for their striking architectural forms. They are hardy and come in various sizes, making them suitable for both large and small outdoor gardens.
4. Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera is not only known for its medicinal properties but also for its attractive, spiky leaves. It thrives in arid conditions and is relatively low-maintenance.
5. Crassula ovata (Jade Plant):
Jade plants have thick, shiny leaves and are easy to care for. They can tolerate a variety of conditions and are considered symbols of good luck.
6. Sedum (Stonecrop):
Sedums are versatile succulents that come in various shapes and sizes. They are excellent ground covers and can add texture to your garden.
7. Kalanchoe blossfeldiana:
Known for its vibrant and long-lasting flowers, Kalanchoe is a popular outdoor succulent. It blooms in various colors and requires minimal care.
8. Sedeveria:
A hybrid of Sedum and Echeveria, Sedeveria combines the best traits of both. It has rosette-like formations and comes in a range of colors.
9. Graptopetalum paraguayense (Ghost Plant):
Ghost plants have a unique powdery coating on their leaves, giving them a ghostly appearance. They are drought-tolerant and suitable for outdoor gardens.
10. Aeonium:
Aeoniums form stunning rosettes and come in various sizes and colors. They are ideal for outdoor gardens and add an architectural element to the landscape.
• 5 Herbs for Outdoor Herb Gardens
1. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis):
Rosemary is a hardy herb that thrives in well-drained soil and full sunlight. It requires minimal watering and is drought-tolerant once established. Rosemary is a versatile herb used in various culinary dishes and is known for its aromatic, needle-like leaves.
2. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris):
Thyme is a low-growing herb with tiny, aromatic leaves. It is drought-tolerant and prefers well-drained soil. Thyme is a great addition to Mediterranean dishes and requires little maintenance once established. Regular pruning can help keep the plant compact.
3. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum):
Chives are easy-to-grow, clump-forming herbs with slender, onion-flavored leaves. They tolerate a variety of soil conditions and are relatively pest-resistant. Chives produce attractive purple flowers that are also edible. Regular harvesting encourages new growth.
4. Oregano (Origanum vulgare):
Oregano is a hardy herb with flavorful leaves that are commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cuisines. It prefers well-drained soil and full sunlight. Once established, oregano is drought-tolerant and requires minimal care. Regular pruning can help maintain a bushy and productive plant.
5. Mint (Mentha spp.):
Mint is a vigorous herb that spreads quickly, making it a good ground cover. It thrives in partial shade to full sunlight and prefers consistently moist soil. While it can be invasive, planting mint in containers or designated areas can help control its growth. Mint is a versatile herb used in both culinary and medicinal applications.
These are only a few low-maintenance plants that you can choose to grow in outdoor gardens. They can grow with minimal effort and relatively lesser care, making them very beginner-friendly and easy to care for.
To help with your gardening journey, looking for brands that can easily become your one-stop shops can be helpful as they will provide you with everything you need at the tip of your fingers. Ugaoo is one such brand that comes equipped with plants and plant care equipment that will facilitate your gardening experience.