My lazy gardener’s guide will create a hassle-free oasis – you’ll save so much effort by picking the right plants
A GARDENING expert has revealed a selection of low-maintenance plants for a flourishing backyard using minimal effort.
He said it isn’t uncommon for beginners and lazy gardeners to dread tidying up their outdoor space in spring.
Brian Davenport is the co-founder of The Solar Centre, a UK-based company that specializes in solar lighting.
He shared several tips for a hassle-free outdoor oasis.
POWERFUL FLOWERS
Davenport revealed perennial plants are the “perfect solution” for homeowners who want colorful blooms that require little attention.
“Once these plants become established, they will typically die and regrow every spring, saving you the effort of replanting,” he said.
“Herbs like lavender, basil, mint, and rosemary are great examples of perennial plants, and they will leave your garden smelling fantastic.
“Alternatively, flowers like daisies, carnations, and baby’s breath perfectly brighten up your garden, and strawberries and blackberries can grow easily.
“Planting perennials is also a great way to create a sustainable outdoor space, as they require very little extra watering or additional resources to thrive.
“Plant them where they’ll get the best sun exposure, drainage, and protection from the elements.”
LUSH LAWN
The green-fingered expert said lawns will likely require care and attention after months of heavy rain, snow, and frost.
However, it doesn’t have to be a “mammoth task.”
“Start by aerating the ground, using a pitchfork to poke some holes into the ground to help with drainage, allow it to breathe, and more effectively circulate air,” he said.
Planting perennial plants together is equally beneficial for pest management.
Brian Davenport
“The next step is to scour the grass for any moss and remove it before walking around the lawn while sprinkling plenty of grass seed.
“For an extra boost, you can spread some topsoil over more sparse areas of grass, and within a few weeks, you should see plenty of springtime growth.”
DETER PESTS
Davenport said there are multiple benefits of planting greenery close together, known as dense or high-density planting.
“The concentration of plants in one area can minimize the growth of weeds due to the limited space in a flowerbed,” he said.
“Their proximity also limits sunlight by shading the soil, which reduces opportunities for weeds to germinate and grow and eliminates the need for frequent weeding.
“Dense planting is also a great way to boost moisture retention in the soil, as it minimizes evaporation, keeps plants hydrated for longer, and reduces the need for manual watering.
“Planting perennial plants together is equally beneficial for pest management, as high-density beds can confuse bugs looking for a preferred plant, and herbs can act as natural repellents due to their strong scents.
“Plus packing your greenery into one area can make minimal maintenance easier.”
Easy gardening tips to save money, maximize space, and repel pests
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- Banana peels, vinegar, and coffee grounds are often recommended as natural fertilizers.
- Dollar Tree sells four packs of seeds for $1.25.
- Try a vertical planter like Amazon’s Mr. Stacky 5 Tier Stackable Planter, $35 to make more use of a small space.
- Use netting like the Garden Netting Pest Barrier, $8, from Amazon to keep away bugs that eat your vegetables.
- Try sacrificial planting to reduce the use of pesticides and keep pests away from your garden. Deliberately growing certain plants to attract agricultural pests can keep them away from the plants you want to protect. Examples include marigolds, lavender, catnip, and chives.
- For pesky weeds in your garden, the Grampa’s Weeder – The Original Stand-Up Weed Puller Tool with Long Handles, $45, from Amazon is a helpful tool you can use without having to bend over.
FINISHING TOUCHES
Another important task ahead of summer is cleaning outdoor furniture and decor.
“Removing debris and pressure washing your patio or pathway takes minutes to do and instantly brightens up an outdoor space and creates a relaxing area to enjoy your garden as the weather improves,” Davenport said.
“Any furniture exposed to the elements may need cleaning.
“Wash metal and rattan pieces with warm, soapy water and leave it to air dry.
“Gardeners can also add the perfect finishing touches with decorative lighting solutions to highlight specific garden areas and create a relaxing ambiance.
“For example, fairy lights can be wrapped around trees, gazebos, and pergolas for gentle evening lighting, while garden lanterns can be placed around seating areas to create a cozy atmosphere.
“Solar lights are the perfect solution for lazy gardeners, as once they get placed in the desired area, they will automatically turn on in the evenings after enough sunlight exposure, eliminating the need to switch them on.”