For many people it is a real privilege to have access to an outdoor space or backyard. The shift from urban living, where if you’re lucky you may have a small balcony in your apartment where you can balance a cup of coffee, to a more spacious suburban environment can be fodder for the soul, until you realise that that will need some serious care and attention of it is to be inviting and suitable for entertaining.
Creating a low-maintenance backyard that still feels lush and inviting is definitely possible, and a little bit of hard work and investment in the beginning can give you a space that will require just an occasional once over to get it back to looking great again.
Consider replacing scraggy old grass with synthetic turf
Take a good look at the lawn. Does it look bare and worn out in places? Are there other areas where it is growing awkwardly and is difficult to get to with a lawn mower. You may want to consider replacing it with artificial lawn. Contrary to some opinions, artificial grass can be a sustainable and environmentally friendly alternative when planned out with biodiversity in mind. And when you consider, how long does artificial grass last – about 20 years – then that initial investment will keep you looking lush and green for many summers to come.
Be selective about the types of plants you choose
By selecting plants that are native to your region you will automatically cut down on a substantial amount of extra work. Because they are already adapted to the local climate and soil conditions, then they require less water and maintenance.
Additionally, supplement these with plants that require less watering, such as succulents, ornamental grasses, lavender and yucca. These plants are known for preferring drier, arid environments so if you live in a particularly dry region they will thrive much better.
Create controllable areas
As part of the design, create confined areas such as raised beds and moveable containers which can allow you to gently potter with vegetables and herbs and give you a sense of achievement. Filled with nutrient rich soil, you can create a mini kitchen garden producing salads and herbs that will make your home cooked foods so much more delicious.
If even that still represents too much like hard work, there are companies who will provide you with containers ready planted, or you can buy them online. Take advantage of this type of service as an opportunity to support local businesses.
The power of the mulch
Mulching is magic. It provides so many benefits to your outside space, while at the same time cutting down a considerable amount of work for you. Here’s what mulching can do for you:
- Protects the soil from erosion
- Feeds the plants
- Suppresses weed growth
- Helps to retain soil moisture by reducing evaporation, meaning you don’t have to water so often
- Acts as an insulations for the soil, protecting the plant roots from extreme temperatures
Stop the shedding
Every autumn, one of the biggest causes of debris in a garden are the leaves falling from the tree. Those autumnal colours may look beautiful for a few days, but one bit of wind will soon put paid to all that and the gorgeous goldens on the trees soon turn to rotting browns on your lawn.
You can choose trees that don’t shed a lot of leaves and require minimal pruning, like ornamental pear, crape myrtle, or Japanese maple.
Bring the inside out
Creating an outdoor living spaces allows you to integrate hardscapes like patios, decks, or pergolas to reproduce that room like feeling. They require less maintenance than grass and provide functional spaces for relaxation and entertainment.
By incorporating a small pond or a fountain with a recirculating pump you can bring an area to life. A water feature will always create a focal point, as well as supporting wildlife, and requiring minimal upkeep once established.