| The idea of having to maintain your beautiful | | | | Choosing to use larger groups of similar plants can |
| landscape can be a frightening one as it can be very | | | | reduce maintenance levels. If you have similar plants |
| time consuming and labor intensive. If you are of the | | | | grouped together it is easier to control the watering, |
| opinion that a garden with high maintenance needs is | | | | fertilizing and pest reduction as they have similar |
| not for you, then you should consider planning one | | | | needs. Haphazard plantings of single varieties can |
| that has low maintenance requirements. Here are a | | | | make your job more difficult. It is also wise to create |
| few things to keep in mind when you are | | | | your beds so that they are narrow enough to allow |
| constructing a low maintenance landscape. | | | | easy access. |
| Tips for a Low Maintenance Landscaping Designs | | | | Regardless of all of these points, how you plant your |
| Use native plants in your design in place of "exotics". | | | | specimens is vital. If they are not correctly planted |
| Because native plants have already adapted | | | | according to individual plant requirements, they will |
| themselves to their surroundings, they are easier to | | | | either not grow to their full potential or may even |
| maintain. They are generally easier to obtain and are | | | | die. This adds to your maintenance. |
| less expensive than exotics. | | | | Ensure Simplicity |
| Make use of snowmelt systems | | | | A simple "minimalist" landscape is much easier to look |
| If you live in an area that has heavy snowfalls, it is a | | | | after and if planned correctly can actually look far |
| wise idea to invest in a "snowmelt" system. Basically, | | | | more attractive than a complex design. Rule number |
| this is a series of hot water pipes that melt the | | | | one is to ensure that you do not "over-plant"; you |
| snow, thus saving you hours of backbreaking work. | | | | should allow for space for the plants to grow freely. |
| Have automatic irrigation systems | | | | This will ensure that you don't have to prune or trim |
| An irrigation system set on a timer will water your | | | | as often. Keep the variety of plants to a minimum as |
| plants without you having to stand with a hose for | | | | well. |
| hours. Set up the system when you are constructing | | | | Reduce size |
| the landscape and it will save you a lot of time. | | | | Large, expansive gardens are fantastic to view but |
| These automatic systems can be purchased in many | | | | take a huge amount of maintenance to keep up that |
| places and are relatively inexpensive. | | | | look. Home landscaping is best done on a smaller |
| Use Mulch | | | | scale. Even without the use of rock speaker system, |
| Using both organic (that which decomposes) and | | | | a smaller variety of plants in a small garden can be |
| inorganic mulch will assist in the prevention of soil | | | | welcoming. If you have a large yard, reserve a small |
| erosion and makes an excellent weed suppressant. | | | | part of it closer to the house for landscaping and |
| Mulch also assists in water conservation as it reduces | | | | allow the rest to naturalize. |
| evaporation and reduces soil temperatures around | | | | Following these simple tips will save you lots of time |
| the roots of plants. | | | | and money. |
| Plant arrangement | | | | |