If you are looking for low landscape maintenance there are several tips that landscape companies offer. Obviously mowing and watering your lawn take up the most time so one of the major steps that can be taken towards low maintenance is to reduce the amount of grass to be mowed and watered. There are ideas that can help you become more “water-wise” and perhaps introduce a few different plants that are a good alternative to grass.
Photo by: Ivan Prole
Landscape companies recommend considering “xeriscaping” for those that are interested in a low watering type of landscape; this is basically referring to a landscape that is tailored to stand up to drought type of conditions and it comes in several forms. For those in the southwestern area of the United States plants like cacti fit the bill as well as what they call extended patios. These are simply patios that are enlarged and take up the area where you would normally see grass; perfect for low landscape maintenance. In other areas of the U.S., those that are not quite as low on water, the answer may be with using shrubs, ground covers and mulches.
Some suggestions by landscape companies for plants that would work well include succulents such as aloe or stonecrop. Succulents have fleshy thick water storage organs, storing the water in their roots, stems and leaves. With their amazing adaptability they have grown into a large variety of different plant forms and leaf shapes, like paddle leaves, trailing or busy columns of tear drop shaped leaves and tight little rosettes. They make excellent display plants and are the epitome of low landscape maintenance.
Another suggestion made by many landscape companies is to design a rock garden; perfect for a rocky or shaded spot and drought prone areas. If you are lucky enough to have a naturally rocky area then you have something to build on otherwise you will have to bring in your own stone or rocks. This can get expensive so you may want to shop around first or check out areas in the country where you may have notice them before, just check with the land owner first to avoid any problems. Again, this is perfect for those wishing to keep their landscape maintenance to a minimum.
