A garden is meant to be enjoyed. Relax with a book, enjoy a meal outdoors with friends or simply unwind after a busy day. But let's be honest: not everyone looks forward to weekly weeding, mowing or pruning. Fortunately, a low-maintenance garden is entirely achievable. With these 18 tips you'll save time and effort, without your garden losing its appeal.
1. Choose artificial grass
Artificial grass is the solution for those who always want a green garden without ever touching a lawnmower. It's low-maintenance, hardwearing and resistant to intensive use. And modern varieties are virtually indistinguishable from real grass. No bare patches, no muddy puddles, just always neat.
2. Use large tiles or concrete slabs
Large tiles create a calm, modern appearance and make maintenance much easier. Fewer joints means less chance of weeds and moss. Combine them with a good drainage system and you'll have years of enjoyment without hassle.
Example of tiles with narrow joints.
Watch out for (too much) paving
It might seem clever: just tile the whole garden and you're free from all maintenance. No grass, no borders, no plants. But this is a real pitfall. Because paving is anything but maintenance-free.
Just think of all that dirt, leaves and weeds between the joints. And that's not even mentioning scraping – one of the least favourite garden jobs. Add the risk of algae growth and waterlogging, and you'll understand: completely paving over is rarely a good idea.
Do you still want paving in your low-maintenance garden? Then choose large tiles with narrow joints and use weed-resistant grout. Even better is to limit the amount of paving and combine it with other elements such as gravel, decking or ground covers.
A clever option is to plant ground covers between the joints, such as creeping chamomile or mondo grass. This creates a green, natural effect and helps prevent weeds at the same time. Note: this works particularly well on pathways or patios that aren't heavily trafficked.
For driveways, tiles or gravel are good choices, as long as proper attention is paid to foundation and drainage. This prevents settling and water problems in the future.
3. Limit the number of plant varieties
The more different plants you have, the more maintenance required. So choose a limited number of strong varieties that need little care. Think lavender, ornamental grasses, sedums or box. They stay beautiful for longer, require little attention and still provide colour and variety.
4. Go for ground covers
Ground covers are ideal for filling empty patches of soil and fighting weeds. Varieties such as Euonymus, creeping mondo grass or lady's mantle grow thickly, need barely any care and provide a green, well-maintained look.
5. Plant perennials
Perennials return every year without needing to be replanted. They fit perfectly into a low-maintenance garden. Popular choices are hydrangeas, hostas and coneflowers. Combine them with some mulch to limit weed growth and keep the soil moist.
6. Avoid real lawn
A lawn might seem simple, but it requires a lot of maintenance: mowing, watering, fertilising and sometimes repairing. Consider alternatives such as artificial grass, decorative gravel or a nice patio. This saves you a lot of work and you still have a neat appearance.
7. Work with gravel or chippings
Gravel and chippings are stylish, durable and easy to combine with planting boxes or stepping stones. They're also water-permeable, which is good for drainage. Always lay a root barrier underneath the gravel first to prevent weeds.
8. Canopy or pergola
9. Install automatic watering
An irrigation system ensures your plants always get the right amount of water, without you having to check on them daily. From simple drip hoses to complete irrigation systems: it's an investment that quickly pays for itself.
10. Use raised planting boxes
Raised boxes provide structure to your garden and make maintenance easier. You don't need to bend as much, you maintain an overview and you can easily remove weeds. Choose durable materials such as Corten steel or low-maintenance wood composite.
11. Apply a mulch layer
A layer of bark, wood chippings or cocoa husks between your plants retains moisture, prevents weeds and protects the soil. It also looks neat and well-maintained. Topping it up once a year is usually sufficient.
12. Choose low-maintenance garden furniture
Garden furniture made from aluminium, plastic, polywood or teak wood requires little maintenance and stays beautiful for years. At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture we have a wide selection of durable and stylish furniture sets that fit perfectly in a low-maintenance garden.
13. Keep the garden design simple
A minimalist design with clear lines and calm materials not only creates a relaxing effect, but also saves on maintenance. Limit the number of materials and choose symmetry and clarity. Less is more – in the garden too.
14. Work with durable materials
Choose materials that can take a knock. Think ceramic tiles, composite decking boards or coated metal. They stay beautiful for years and withstand weather and wind without requiring much effort.
15. Avoid ponds or water features
Water features can be beautiful, but they also require a lot of maintenance: removing leaves, cleaning pumps and fighting algae. Do you still want something with water? Then opt for a small closed water system or a compact water trough with fountain.
Tip: Get a water basin instead of a pond!
16. Solar-powered lighting
No cables, no power points and no fuss. With solar-powered lighting you give your garden atmosphere and convenience. They charge themselves during the day and switch on automatically when it gets dark.
Choose lamps with a dusk sensor and durable LED technology. They're ideal along garden paths, near the lounge set or between plants. And the best part: you don't need to worry about them.
17. Fencing requires little maintenance
A fence made from durable materials such as composite or impregnated wood requires little care. No painting, no rot – and still years of privacy.
For those who really want maintenance-free: go for aluminium or plastic screens. They stay neat, barely discolour and are easy to clean. You can combine it with climbing plants for a green effect without extra work.
18. Think about your usage
Consider in advance how much time you really want to spend on your garden. Do you mainly want to relax or occasionally garden too? Tailor your design, planting and layout accordingly. This prevents frustration and lets you make the most of your outdoor space.
How do you maintain a low-maintenance garden?
A low-maintenance garden doesn't mean you don't have to do anything from day one. In fact, some attention is important in the initial phase. With smart and temporary maintenance you lay a strong foundation – and that actually saves you a lot of work later.
New plants need time to establish properly. Especially in the first few months it's important to water regularly during dry spells and remove unwanted weeds immediately. If you don't, weeds get a chance to spread quickly.
If you guide the garden well during this phase, the plants will develop strongly and then do the work for you. They grow densely, retain moisture and prevent weeds from getting a chance.
In short: give your garden some attention at the start and you'll have little to worry about afterwards. That's what really means low-maintenance.
Buy low-maintenance garden furniture from Boender Outdoor
A low-maintenance garden is only complete with furniture that lasts a long time and requires little care. At Boender Outdoor Garden Furniture you'll find garden furniture made from durable, weather-resistant materials such as aluminium, rope, plastic and high-quality teak wood.
Our collections are specially selected for ease of use, comfort and style. No hassle with sanding, painting or covering – just enjoying long summer evenings, a cup of coffee in the morning sun or a relaxing afternoon with a good book.
Would you like advice on which garden furniture would work best with your low-maintenance garden? Feel free to visit our showroom or browse the range online. We're happy to help you on your way to years of carefree outdoor living.
