Top Tips for Low-Maintenance Garden Care

A beautiful garden doesn’t need to be a full-time job. With the right tricks, you can have a stunning outdoor space without spending every weekend working in it. Here’s how to keep your garden looking great with minimum effort.

1. Pick the Right Plants

Go for plants that don’t need babysitting. Hardy, drought-tolerant types are your best bet, especially native Australian plants like Acacia or Grevillea. These are tough, water-wise, and happy in local conditions. Evergreens like Lilly Pilly add year-round greenery without fuss.

2. Mulch It Up

Mulch is your garden’s best friend. A good layer keeps the soil moist, cuts down on weeds, and protects against temperature swings. Less watering and less weeding mean more time enjoying your garden. Use bark chips or straw, and top it up once a year.

3. Set Up a Drip Irrigation

Automate watering with a drip system. It’s precise, waters the roots directly, and saves water. Set it on a timer to run early morning or evening, so you don’t have to think about it. Your plants stay happy, and you get more free time.

4. Go Perennial

Pick perennials over annuals. Perennials come back year after year, so you’re not constantly replanting. Lavender and Salvia are great choices—they look good and don’t ask for much.

5. Keep It Simple

Design your garden to be low-maintenance. Group plants with the same water needs together, so watering is easy. Add some paths or stone borders to break up the planting areas and cut down on weeding.

6. Smart Fertilising

A slow-release fertiliser once a season can do wonders. It feeds your plants without the need for regular top-ups. Organic fertilisers are a win-win: good for the soil and good for your plants.

7. Ground Covers Are Gold

Ground covers like Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ spread out, fill gaps, and keep weeds at bay. They also help lock in soil moisture, so you don’t have to water as often.

8. Minimal Pruning

Choose plants that hold their shape naturally or only need a light trim once a year. If you do prune, do it in late winter or early spring for a fresh start.

9. Use Quality Tools

Good tools make any job easier. Invest in ergonomic, durable gardening tools so when you do need to do a bit of work, it’s quick and painless.

10. Keep an Eye on Things

Check in on your garden now and then. If a plant is demanding too much of your time, swap it for a more laid-back alternative. The goal is to have a garden that suits your lifestyle, not the other way around.

With these simple tips, you can enjoy a garden that looks great and practically takes care of itself. Enjoy the view and save your weekends!