If you’re looking to create a beautiful garden, but don’t want to spend all of your time and energy on it, there are ways to make the design easier on you. One of the best things to do is choose low maintenance plants, flowers, and trees. You can even consider installing an irrigation system to make watering easy. Another option is to install raised beds or Evergreens.
Irrigation system
When you’re putting together your garden design, consider an irrigation system. A good one will keep your plants healthy and beautiful. You’ll also save money and time.
One of the best ways to reduce water usage is to use an automated watering system. The latest technology allows you to choose how much water to give your plants and schedule it when to do so.
Depending on your needs, an underground irrigation system is a great option. Underground irrigation systems work well with large lawns, but they’re not ideal for smaller spaces.
Another good choice is a rainwater irrigation system. This is a great way to reuse greywater from household appliances and divert it to your garden. It can be installed for under $10 and doesn’t require you to turn on your tap.
Other types of irrigation systems include drip irrigation and spray irrigation. Drip irrigation is easy to install and can be set up to provide a precise amount of water to your plants.
Spray irrigation is a fancy name for a network of sprinkler heads that can be used for both residential and commercial purposes. Generally, it’s best to install an automatic spray system in flat terrain. However, it’s less effective in spreading water through thick clay soil.
The new “Smart Controllers” use weather data and other technologies to schedule irrigation based on the actual needs of your plants. They’ve been shown to save up to 20% of your irrigation water use. Some smart controllers use on-site rain sensors and soil moisture sensors.
The most important thing to remember when designing your irrigation system is to give your plants the right amount of water. That means you should group plants based on their needs and set the zones to water them more often.
Raised beds
If you want to make the most of your garden, you should think about using raised beds. They are great for aerating the soil and making your yard look better. Plus, they can discourage slugs, weeds and other pests.
The right type of raised bed can also prevent the roots of your plants from contacting contaminants. In addition, the soil warms up more quickly in a raised bed than it does in a normal garden. This makes it easier to grow things like flowers and vegetables.
In general, the best way to design a raised bed is to build it from sturdy materials. You can use untreated lumber, such as redwood or cedar. For added strength, you can choose aluminum corners.
When designing your raised bed, you can get creative. You can even embed it into a slope. However, you should avoid using concrete blocks, as they can contact your plant’s roots. Likewise, don’t use bark mulch. Bark can attract weed seeds.
It’s a good idea to incorporate a trellis. Having one or two can add a touch of vertical gardening to your raised beds. Some plants that do well in these beds include ‘Spicy Globe’ basil, lemongrass, creeping thyme, and rosemary.
Aside from containing your crops, a raised bed can also help you achieve the most efficient watering schedule. Watering is necessary, but it should be limited. Ideally, you should only water your plants once a week, unless you live in a hot climate.
Raised beds can be made out of other hard materials. If you want a cheap option, you can buy dry stacking stone. But you should do your research before buying.
Evergreens
Evergreen shrubs are great for adding structure, color and interest to your garden. They provide year-round privacy and serve as a wildlife habitat. These shrubs are popular for their versatility and low maintenance requirements.
A great evergreen for your garden is the Japanese Aralia. Its foliage thrives in sun or shade, and the shrub can reach an impressive height. This shrub is also known for its ornamental black berries.
Another shrub that will give you a great deal of low maintenance is the Silver Birch. This plant is a great choice for landscaping because it grows to a compact tree in a relatively short amount of time. Once established, this plant will add a great architectural element to your garden during the winter months.
Another low-maintenance shrub to consider is the juniper. There are a wide variety of junipers to choose from. Junipers are perfect for ground cover and foundational hedges. In addition, they are ideal for soil retention.
The boxwood is another popular evergreen shrub. Boxwoods are easy to care for, and they perform well in full sun to deep shade. Their small oval-shaped leaves are glossy and have dense evergreen foliage.
One of the most attractive shrubs, the viburnum, is easy to grow. Its foliage turns bronze to red in autumn, and its flowers are very fragrant. Most viburnums do not require pruning, and they are low-maintenance plants.
Another low-maintenance shrub that is easy to care for is the daphne. The beautiful blooms make this a great choice for both entryways and walkways. Daphne has a heavenly fragrance and can tolerate light shade.
If you are interested in building a structure in your garden, camellia or mahonia are good choices. However, if you need a shrub that is more low-maintenance, skimmia is a great option.
Avoiding high maintenance decking
If you are trying to keep your garden design looking great, you might be tempted to avoid high maintenance decking. However, there is no need to sacrifice your outdoor living space. With the right decking and some basic maintenance, you can have a beautiful and functional deck for many years.
First, you need to remove any dirt and debris that have accumulated on your deck. Using a broom or a garden hose can get rid of most debris. For stubborn stains, you may need a soft bristled brush.
You can also use a pressure washer. But be careful, as this can etch or scar wood. It is best to stay under 3100 psi.
If your deck is made of composite, you can wash it with a garden hose. However, it is recommended that you seal it. Sealers can protect the wood from staining and fading, and help prevent mildew.
Another way to protect your deck from moisture is to install a rubber-backed mat. Moisture will create a breeding ground for mold. Also, be sure to keep your dryer vents away from the deck. Having your dryer near the deck will trap heat in the air, which can promote decay.
If you are considering sealing your deck, you should choose a good quality sealant. There are two types of sealants: water-based and oil-based. Oil-based stains are better than water-based stains, since they enhance the natural color of the wood. They also help prevent warping and mildew.
In addition to sealing, you should keep your deck in a good shade. If your deck gets too much sun, it will take longer to dry after rain. Be sure to apply different amounts of shade depending on the time of day.
