low maintenance backyard
The owners of this yard no longer have children at home and requested that their new garden be lawnless. Instead, an intersecting grid of poured concrete pavers provides the framework for garden beds of mixed meadow plantings.
, a native plant, makes up most of the meadow planting, with colorful kangaroo paws enlivening the design. This approach reduces water usage and does not need frequent mowing like a traditional lawn.
This outdoor space was once a patchy lawn that required a lot of maintenance. The homeowners decided that they would be happier with a low-maintenance backyard that still suits the needs of their children and dogs. So the solution was to get rid of the grass and replace it with decomposed granite, flagstone paths, and low-maintenance, drought-resistant plants. They also added a fire pit made from a retrofitted rustic cauldron.
Bought A House In Bay Area, Ca With No Landscaping In Backyard. Any Ideas For A Low Maintenance Backyard?
The plants and trees in this walled backyard in Malibu, Calif. thrive on little water and rarely need to be pruned or cut back. During the hottest months, they may require extra watering to keep them looking their best, but overall these plants are drought tolerant. Bi-annual trimmings in the spring and fall may be necessary for some of the plants, but for the most part they will look great without having to lift a finger.
In this San Diego backyard, succulents and a carpet of thyme provide unique forms and vivid color contrasts, while being able to adapt to the local climate. When selecting plant material it is important to consider water requirements, especially in a Mediterranean-type climate where water is a luxury. Plants that are in tune with the environment's limitations will help minimize water and maintenance needs. Here, the plants are automatically watered with drip irrigation.
While at first glance, this looks like a lush tropical oasis, this backyard and pool were designed with maintenance in mind. Because it is a Key West vacation home, and the owners are away from the property much of the year, they wanted as little upkeep as possible. Zoysia grass was planted between the paving stones around the pool because it is slow growing, making it low-maintenance. Furthermore, plants near the water were selected carefully so that they would not shed their leaves or drop other debris into the water. Ficus Green Island was planted behind the pool for its dark green foliage and resistance to shedding leaves.
Easy Landscaping Ideas
For many people, giving up their lawn is tough, especially if you have kids or pets that need the open space. This urban backyard in San Francisco was designed to be a hassle-free retreat. Its lawn was planted with a no-mow, low-water variety of grass that grows in thick like a shag carpet. While called no-mow, this type of lawn can be trimmed back occasionally if you prefer a more manicured look, or you can let it grow long and allow the blades of grass to lay over sideways for a more natural appearance.
This Albuquerque backyard has an outdoor fireplace and pergola surrounded by xeriscaped planting beds. Xeriscaping is a type of landscaping in which plants that can thrive with as little supplemental water as possible are selected. A xeriscape does not have to be a colorless vista of cacti, you can cut back on your supplemental water use and still enjoy a lush and vivid landscape like this one.
Another popular low-maintenance option, especially among desert-dwellers, is artificial grass. In recent years, synthetic grass has gotten a lot closer to the look and feel of the real thing. This option is attractive to many because you will have green lawn all year long without ever watering or mowing. Artificial lawn can be used in a small area, as was done in this New Mexico backyard, or it can be used for a large space.
Low Maintenance Landscaping For Your Rental Property
When it comes to maintenance, this backyard design requires very little effort. Anchored by low stone walls and four olive trees, this decomposed granite patio offers extra space to set up tables when hosting a party or can be used for a game of bocce ball. Many people would have planted a lawn in this space, but this option requires much less maintenance and still looks great. After heavy use the decomposed granite may need a little raking to smooth it back out and every few years it will need replenishing as some of the rock works its way into the soil.
This suburban backyard has a modern style with various colored concrete patios acting as outdoor rooms. Between the concrete slabs ornamental grasses were planted to provide greenery and texture. These grasses have been growing a few years and have filled in nicely. A thick layer of mulch keeps water from a drip irrigation system from evaporating too quickly. Ornamental grasses are easy to care for, just cut them back once a year and watch them come back healthier than ever.
Once you step out the backdoor of this New Jersey home you may think you’ve been transported to an English garden. A combination of evergreens and perennials provides structure, texture and color to this unique design. Evergreens are great low-maintenance plants because they require only occasional trimming and will look nice all year, even in cold climates. On the other hand, perennials are great because they return each year to provide colorful blooms in the spring and summer months, you don’t have to replant each season as you do with annuals.More outdoor space means more chances to entertain in warm weather — and less work for you. "Creating outdoor living spaces lends itself to low-maintenance landscaping because you can extend your home while having fewer grassy areas to care for, " says Peyton. The couple has a stone patio with a grilling area, dining table, and separate fire pit area in their home. Similarly, a deck is an equally low-maintenance option.
Easy Ideas That Can Completely Transform Your Yard
Though it can be a pricey option, bluestone has a dense composition that makes it incredibly durable. Despite its name, the versatile stone comes in a variety of colors such as blue, brown, gray, and orange. "It's a natural stone and it feels great when you're walking around barefoot, which I love to do all summer long, " says Chris. For a less expensive option, consider crushed stone such as pea stone or white stone.
Establish a solid base for stone surfaces to avoid fix-ups later. If you are planning a stone patio, lay a six- to eight-inch layer of compacted pea stones first. "It will prevent weeds and keep your patio level, " says Chris. "If you have a good base, it ends up being low-maintenance for decades to come. You won't have to be weeding things, pulling up stones, and re-leveling them."
Around your outdoor living space, add beds of mulch instead of grass. "It's one of the best investments you can have in your yard because mulch breaks down, fertilizes your plants, and prevents weeds, " says Chris. "It's low-maintenance because you don't have to mow it or water it. It's also inexpensive and you only have to replace it in the spring." An added perk: Mulch also provides a pleasant aroma for your yard.
Low Maintenance (but Beautiful) Landscaping Ideas You Should Try
For a relaxing aroma and burst of color, plant lavender. "Lavender will come back year after year, and it only needs to be watered once or twice a week if you don't live in a climate with regular rain, " says Chris. "I also love planting lavender near the patio because the scent is a bug repellant."
It's an alternative to mulch. "A lot of people use crushed stones in beds because it's a really good xeriscaping technique, " says Chris. "Stone is also a nice option in beds because you never have to replace it."
If you use stone in landscaping beds, consider how much wind your region gets and how the stone will match the aesthetic of your home. "Pea stone comes in different sizes, so you can get a three-quarter inch stone if you're worried about wind, " says Chris. "Crushed stone also comes in a variety of colors, so you can change it depending on your style, house color, or area of the country."
Amazing Low Maintenance Landscaping Ideas
For low-maintenance plants, opt for perennials. "You buy them once, and they come back year after year, " says Chris. For example, hens-and-chicks are tough plants that grow well in rocky, challenging spaces while just a few yuccas can fill a space with grand, spiky leaves.
Add vibrant color to your yard without sweating in the garden. "I like to always have color, so I try to have plants that flower all season, " says Chris. "When something's always blooming in the yard, there's a sense of added life." Black-eyed Susans are a good summer choice because they bloom throughout the season. In the autumn, consider Montauk daisies.
If you're not ready to nix grass completely, consider which grasses naturally grow in your region. "If you plant a grass that is accustomed to your climate, that makes it low maintenance, " says Chris. "You can research which grass grows best in your area, and in turn save money
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