Gardens used to be places that demanded serious dedication — weekly mowing, seasonal planting, pruning, feeding, and watering formed a never-ending to-do list. But times have changed. Increasingly, we’re getting calls from clients who, for a variety of reasons, need their gardens to be low maintenance — whether due to lack of time, shifting priorities, or physical constraints.
At Greengage Landscaping, we’re here to help you design a garden that works for your lifestyle — not against it. That means making thoughtful choices that reduce time spent on chores and increase time spent relaxing, socialising, or simply enjoying the view.
✂️ Simplify the Garden Design
Sometimes, the secret to a low-maintenance garden isn’t what you put in — it’s what you take out. Clean lines, thoughtful layouts, and a “less is more” approach can transform a high-effort space into one that feels calm and effortless.
🌱 Limit Lawn Areas to Reduce Maintenance
Lawns can be one of the most time-consuming parts of a garden to maintain. Between mowing, edging, fertilising, and watering, the upkeep can quickly add up. That’s why many homeowners now choose to scale back or even eliminate lawn space entirely.
Instead, consider using:
Gravel paths
Paving stones
Decking
Artificial grass
These alternatives cut down on maintenance while offering functional, attractive outdoor spaces. Grass paths can also be replaced with gravel and stepping stones.
💧 Install Automatic Irrigation Systems
Watering can be one of the biggest time-drains in the garden — especially during dry summers or while you’re on holiday. Automatic irrigation systems, such as drip lines or programmable sprinklers, take the guesswork out of plant care.
Ensure consistent watering
Save water and time
Modern systems sync with smartphones
- Reduce water wastage
It’s a one-time investment that pays off in peace of mind — and thriving plants.
🪴 Use Containers and Raised Beds for Flexibility
Planters, pots, and raised beds aren’t just attractive — they’re incredibly practical. They:
Reduce bending and digging
Control soil quality
Allow easy plant management
Raised beds and container gardens are ideal for herbs, vegetables, or compact planting schemes. We’ve built custom beds in many shapes and styles. Even adding stone edging can significantly reduce weed spread.
🌼 Choose Low-Maintenance Plants That Thrive
One of the best ways to reduce garden maintenance is to plant smart:
Choose native and drought-tolerant species
Remove fussy or high-maintenance plants
Group plants with similar care needs
Use mulch or landscape fabric to suppress weeds
Great low-maintenance plants include:
Lavender
Sedum
Salvia
Ornamental grasses
Echinacea
Rudbeckia
Evergreen shrubs
Self-seeding plants like Poppies, Cosmos, and Nigella regenerate with no effort. Prefer no-prune shrubs? Go for Boxwood, Dwarf spirea, or Heavenly bamboo. Want to skip deadheading? Look for varieties that drop flowers cleanly and rebloom naturally.
🪴 Let’s Make Your Garden a Space You Use
The best garden is one that brings joy — not stress. With smart planning and a few clever shortcuts, your garden can become the relaxing retreat it’s meant to be. Imagine:
Summer cocktails on the patio
Easy family barbecues
A peaceful place to unwind
Greengage can help — whether you need a full garden design or just a hand bringing your ideas to life.
Words: Jennie Eastick, Office Manager