LOW-MAINTENANCE OUTDOOR FOLIAGE

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ired of having to constantly water extra-thirsty plants? Sick of those sun-sensitive flowers that seem to wilt swiftly on sweltering days? Want to expend less energy gardening and more time relaxing in your garden?

Maybe it’s time to replace those weak, fussy, and susceptible species of foliage with easier-tocare-for plants and flowers, say the experts.

“Low-maintenance plants are always a good idea for those who are starting out in their plant adventures, but it’s also wise for anyone who wants to have an attractive outdoor space without constantly dedicating time to upkeep,” says Margaret McCoy, an agronomist with True Organic Products in Yakima, Washington.

One great way to create a space to spend time in that’s low-maintenance is to replace some or all of your lawn with gravel or mulch. When surrounding the gravel or mulch area with greenery, it can become like the walls of a cozy room, only outdoors,” says Camille Cimino, a landscape designer with The Nature of Things in Los Angeles.

In the flower realm, tulips, daffodils, crocuses, snowdrops, irises, lilies, daylilies, and any tuber or bulb-based flowers are great options if you seek less upkeep, “since these species can bring color to your space in the early portion of the year while you wait for the rest of the flower world to wake up in spring and summer,” notes McCoy.

Other highly recommended low-upkeep plants include rosemary, thyme, oregano, lavender, and other hardy herbs; yarrow, a multitasker that can help aerate and gather nutrients from the soil and produce lovely flowers; and roses that, once established, can be cared for relatively easily.

Tim Sheppard, the founder of Soil Shepherds, says plants to avoid if you want to reduce your workload include those in the mint family, like bee balm. “Also avoid plants that require staking, like peonies, and use varieties that are easily contained like swamp milkweed instead of common milkweed, which spreads via aggressive rhizomes and by seed,” he says.

Remember that every plant involves some maintenance sooner or later.

“Caring for any type of plant will include addressing their basic needs: They’ll still require food via fertilizer, water, shelter by finding a good spot in your landscaping, and personal hygiene via cutting back, pruning, or mowing down,” McCoy notes.

Photo courtesy of Content That Works Any flora that doesn’t need a ton of watering, weeding, pruning, or nurturing is considered “low-maintenance.” Flowers and plants that are self-seeding or perennials are also “low-maintenance.”