If you're looking to get the most out of your green space with the least amount of effort, then low-maintenance gardening is just for you. From sowing wildflower seeds to mulching, there are lots of ways even the most time-strapped gardeners can reap the benefits of a beautiful outdoor space.
"Our outdoor space is an area that we can enjoy with our loved ones, and escape the busyness of our everyday lives. However, finding the time to make it spring/summer ready isn't an easy task for everyone," Johanna Constantinou, brand and communications director at Tapi, says.
"Whether people are short on time, money, or knowledge, we hope our easy maintenance hacks will simplify their time when they're looking to plan, plant, and primp their space so they can enjoy it to the fullest."
On that note, keep reading for everything you need to know...
1. Opt for a no-mow lawn
Grass is high maintenance, often getting lots of traffic from pets and children. If you're looking for a fuss-free alternative, why not adopt a natural approach and go for a no-mow lawn instead? We can all create a haven for wildlife by planting bee-friendly wildflowers, such as meadow saxifrage, knotted clover and eyebright.
According to previous research by Plantlife, simple changes in mowing can result in enough nectar for ten times more bees and other pollinators. With the warmer weather here, now is the perfect time to broadcast wildflower seeds to naturalise in borders and hedgerows.
"Don't mow all of your lawn. Find a corner of your garden where you can allow it to become, dare I say it, a little bit unkempt," implored Chris Packham during an interview with Country Living about spring gardening. "That long grass will provide food for butterflies and other invertebrates and shelter for other animals – maybe even something as exciting as a hedgehog."
2. Opt for evergreens
Evergreen shrubs are perfect for a gorgeous garden all year round. One of the most important and popular additions to any space, the shrubs to consider include bamboos, griselinia, Choisya (Mexican orange blossom), lavender, rosemary, and bay (Laurus nobilis).
"There are different types to choose from, plus they also work well as a natural screen for extra privacy," Johanna says. "They will also make your garden look great, without the need for constant watering."
3. Plant smarter
When planning your planting scheme, choose smaller plants and pots that don't need as much attention. Other low-maintenance plants for time-poor gardeners include hardy geraniums, wildflowers, strawberries, bergenias and holly.
"Patio pots, hanging baskets, and window boxes are a great way to add colour and if you scatter them, they'll add interest to your space. Container planting is another great shout for compact spaces. You can mix and match pots and choose evergreen plants in varying heights to plant."
4. Go easy with the homegrown produce
Johanna explains: "If you're hoping to grow your own fresh produce this year, some veggies don't require constant care. Courgettes, squashes, and radishes grow by themselves, all you need to do is water them every so often. Peas, beans, and Swiss chard also require minimal maintenance."
5. Try mulching
Mulching, which works by adding a thick layer of organic matter on the surface, helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, add nutrients and insulate plant roots. Extremely beneficial for a garden, the materials to promote a healthier soil ecosystem include woodchips, grass clippings, or organic compost. Not only will these help plants to grow stronger, but it will also require less input from you.
6. Think about your hedges
Finally, consider planting slow-growing hedges to reduce the time you spend up a ladder trimming. Johanna adds: "Yew, box, euonymus, and cherry laurel are good choices that can be trimmed, in some cases, just once per year."
17 best gardening tools to buy now including spades, trowels and rakes
Give your garden plants some love this summer with this useful multi-tool. Finished in titanium with brass fixings, this tool features six different functions including secateurs, a root remover, knife, saw, bottle opener and an easy weeding utensil.
Protect your knees when gardening with this practical green kneeler and seat. It has been made with steel tubes and comfortable polypropylene foam so you can garden comfortably. There's also a small pouch on the side, making it easy to pop your tools in as you work.
Protect your hands with these practical grey gardening gloves, made from a comfortable nylon and spandex liner. Best suited for potting and pruning, they have breathable lining and a nitrile grip coating.
Developed alongside Kew Garden's horticultural team, this set features a weedfork, hand trowel and transplanting trowel. Ideal if you're on the hunt for a gift.
Crafted from wood and stainless steel, this lovely garden tool set is just what every gardener needs. The leather hooks make it easy to hang up in a shed, while the trowel has been marked in centimetres and inches to make planting easier than ever.
Every garden needs a wheelbarrow. In a classic green, this lightweight style from Argos is ideal for gardening, DIY work and equestrian uses.
With a longer handle to ease back strain, this stainless digging spade has been created for all digging jobs. As well as this, the hardened steel blade is rust-resistant and will hold its edge without regular sharpening. Perfect for every avid gardener.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with this terracotta watering can. Designed by Shane Schneck, it boasts a no-spill lip and a shape that keeps water weight at its base.
Tried and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, this garden fork from Sophie Conran is a stylish addition to any outdoor space. Made of stainless steel with a waxed beechwood handle, it has sharpened tines which cut through hard and soft soil very easily.
When life gives you lemons...buy a stylish kneeler pillow. With a generous size and soft foam filling, you can be sure to tackle those weeds comfortably without any pain.
Looking for some summer seeds? This pack includes thyme, mixed herbs, oregano and summer savoury, too. Ideal to spruce up a tired-looking lawn patch.
READ MORE: Plant these 11 wildflowers to create a bee motorway in your garden
You'll find eight handy tools in this set, including pruning shears, a hand trowel, transplanter, weeder, cultivator, hand rake, gardening gloves and a tote bag. At just £40, it's a real steal buy.
Trim your hedge just as you like with these 66cm topiary shears. Ideal for trimming and shaping, they have narrow pointed blades, rubber shock absorbers and a long length ergonomic design.
READ MORE: How to get rid of moles in the garden
Providing high performance cutting with a clean finish, this grass trimmer from Bosch has an easy edging function which enables quick changes from trimming to edging. Ideal for reaching those tricker spots with ease.
Sweep up leaves and fallen debris with this practical wooden rake from Garden Trading. Crafted from Beech, the strong wooden handle offers support, while the prongs allow for effective raking.
Presented in a beautiful box, this set includes a trowel and secateurs. Featuring artwork from the RHS Lindley Library, they're both a stylish and practical addition to any garden.
This electric lawnmower helps you to cut through long grass with ease, thanks to its innovative inset grass combs and lightweight design.
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Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she's busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
