How to Choose the Right Plants for a Low-Maintenance Garden May 15, 2025

Designing a garden that flourishes with minimal care might seem challenging, but by selecting the right plants, you can enjoy a beautiful landscape with less effort. This is especially beneficial for homeowners with busy schedules or those new to gardening. At A-N-H Lawn Care, we understand the importance of creating a sustainable and stunning garden that thrives with minimum maintenance. Here’s a guide to help you choose the perfect plants for your low-maintenance garden.

Firstly, consider the climate and soil conditions of your garden. Knowing these factors will help you select plants that are well-suited to your environment, making them naturally more resilient. Native plants are an excellent choice as they are already adapted to the local climate, pests, and soil. They require less water and fertilizer, significantly reducing maintenance efforts. In the Midwestern United States, for example, coneflowers, black-eyed Susans, and certain types of grasses are often well-suited for low-care gardens.

When considering plant options, perennials are a worthy investment for any low-maintenance garden. Unlike annuals that require replanting each year, perennials return season after season. This not only cuts down on annual planting efforts but also ensures that your garden remains colorful and lush year-round. Examples of hardy perennials include hostas, daylilies, and peonies, all of which require limited upkeep once established.

To further simplify garden maintenance, prioritize drought-tolerant plants. These plants are perfect for reducing the amount of time and resources spent on watering. Succulents, lavender, and sage are popular choices that can withstand dry conditions and still maintain their beauty. By reducing dependency on frequent watering, you conserve water and lessen the garden’s environmental footprint.

Additionally, ground covers can transform your garden into a low-maintenance wonderland. Ground covers such as creeping thyme and sedum spread across the soil, suppressing weeds naturally and maintaining moisture. This reduces the need for weeding and frequent watering, allowing you more time to enjoy your garden rather than maintain it.

Incorporating shrubs can also significantly reduce the need for regular garden work. Evergreen shrubs, in particular, add color and structure year-round without the need for constant care. Consider using plants like boxwood or juniper to create a framework for your garden, providing structure and interest regardless of the season.

Moreover, opt for plants that are naturally pest-resistant. Choosing such plants minimizes the need for chemical treatments and reduces the likelihood of pest-related damage. Marigolds and nepeta are great choices that repel bugs while adding vibrant colors to your garden.

Finally, mulch is an essential element in any low-maintenance garden. Applying a layer of mulch around your plants not only helps retain soil moisture but also suppresses weed growth and regulates soil temperature. Organic mulches, such as wood chips or bark, decompose over time, adding nutrients back to the soil.

By thoughtfully selecting the right plants and incorporating strategic garden practices, you can enjoy a beautiful, thriving garden with minimal effort. At A-N-H Lawn Care, we encourage incorporating native, drought-tolerant, and pest-resistant plants into your landscape design. With these tips, you’ll spend less time working in your garden and more time admiring your handiwork. Whether you’re starting fresh or revamping an existing space, a low-maintenance garden is within reach. Let us help you achieve the garden of your dreams with ease.