A beautiful garden doesn't have to mean endless hours of weeding, pruning, and mowing. At Green Gardens, we believe that with the right planning and plant choices, you can enjoy a stunning outdoor space without the constant upkeep. In this blog, we'll share our expert tips on how to create a low maintenance garden that thrives in the UK climate. From the best plants and ground covers to time-saving tools and clever garden hacks, you'll learn how to spend less time working and more time enjoying your garden.
And remember, if you'd like a helping hand with your garden, the team of gardeners in Surrey are always here with our professional garden maintenance service.
Planning Your Low Maintenance Garden: Where to Start
Every great garden starts with a solid plan. Here's how to design a garden that looks amazing without becoming a chore:
Assess your space
Think about how much time you want to spend gardening and how you'd like your garden to look.
Focus on simplicity
Stick to a few key features—too many elements can make a garden feel cluttered and harder to maintain.
Choose the right plants
Opt for hardy, low-maintenance plants that suit your soil and climate.
Reduce lawn size
Lawns are high-maintenance—consider alternatives like gravel, paving, or artificial grass in some areas.
Plan for structure
Use evergreen shrubs and perennials to create year-round interest without extra effort.
Think about access
Wide paths and clear spaces make it easier to navigate and care for your garden.
Include mulching zones
Designate areas for mulch to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
With a clear plan, you can create a garden that looks great while cutting down on time-consuming tasks.
Read our guide on how to keep your garden tidy all year round!
Best Plants for a Low Maintenance Garden in the UK Climate
Choosing the right plants is key to a garden that thrives with minimal effort. Here are some of our top picks for low maintenance plants that do well in the UK:
Lavender
Drought-tolerant, aromatic, and loved by pollinators.
Hardy geraniums (Cranesbills)
Long-flowering, ground-covering, and low-fuss.
Sedum (Stonecrop)
Great for sunny spots, with little need for watering.
Heuchera (Coral Bells)
Attractive foliage in a variety of colours, minimal care.
Boxwood (Buxus)
Perfect for low-maintenance hedges and structure.
Ferns
Ideal for shady spots, no fuss required.
Hostas
Thrive in shade, though they may need some protection from slugs.
Ornamental grasses (e.g., Stipa, Miscanthus)
Add texture and movement without constant pruning.
At Green Gardens, we can help you choose the perfect plant palette for your garden – tailored to your space and style.
Choosing the Right Ground Cover to Reduce Weeding and Watering
Ground cover plants and materials can significantly cut down on garden maintenance. Here are some smart choices:
Gravel or decorative stone
Great for paths and open areas – suppresses weeds and improves drainage.
Bark mulch
Helps retain moisture, keeps weeds down, and gives beds a neat finish.
Creeping thyme
A fragrant, hardy ground cover that tolerates light foot traffic.
Alchemilla mollis (Lady's Mantle)
Soft, low-growing, and great for shady spots.
Perennial groundcovers (e.g., Vinca minor, Pachysandra)
Dense planting discourages weeds and reduces soil erosion.
Easy-Care Landscaping Ideas for a Tidy Garden All Year Round
A few smart landscaping choices can make a world of difference in creating a low-maintenance garden. Here are some ideas:
Install raised beds
Easier to manage and keep tidy.
Use edging materials
Define beds with metal, brick, or timber edges to stop grass creeping in.
Choose low-maintenance paving
Natural stone or porcelain slabs are durable and easy to clean.
Add seating areas
Create a space to relax and enjoy your garden.
Install a water feature
A simple fountain or pond adds interest without much upkeep.
Minimise high-maintenance plants
Avoid species that need regular pruning or pest control.
Add lighting
Solar lights make your garden welcoming without the need for wiring or maintenance.
Use artificial turf sparingly
For areas where real grass struggles, this can reduce mowing time.
Green Gardens offers landscaping services to bring these ideas to life—without the hassle.
Time-Saving Tools and Garden Hacks Every Homeowner Should Know
A few clever tools and tricks can help you spend less time working in the garden. Here are our favourites:
Long-handled tools
Reduce bending and make tasks easier.
Automatic watering systems
Drip irrigation or soaker hoses save time and water.
Garden kneelers or stools
Make gardening more comfortable, especially for elderly gardeners.
Battery-powered tools
Hedge trimmers, lawnmowers, and blowers make quick work of garden jobs.
Compost bins
Reduce waste and create free mulch for your garden.
Garden planners
Apps or simple notebooks help track what needs doing when.
Weed membranes
Lay under gravel or mulch to reduce weeding.
Raised beds with liners
Keep weeds out and make beds easier to maintain.
At Green Gardens, we use professional-grade tools to make light work of your garden maintenance – so you don't have to lift a finger!
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Creating a Low Maintenance Garden
Here are some of the most common pitfalls to steer clear of:
Planting high-maintenance species
Avoid plants that need constant care or are prone to pests.
Overcomplicating the design
A simple layout is easier to maintain.
Neglecting soil health
Healthy soil means healthier plants and fewer problems.
Forgetting about access
Make sure you can easily reach all areas of your garden.
Ignoring drainage
Poor drainage can lead to waterlogged soil and plant stress.
Not planning for growth
Think about how plants will mature and spread over time.
Skipping mulch
Without mulch, you'll spend more time weeding and watering.
Underestimating maintenance needs
Every garden needs some care—plan for it.
If you're unsure, the Green Gardens team is always here to help you avoid these mistakes with our expert garden maintenance service.
Low Maintenance Garden Services Available from Green Gardens
Creating a low maintenance garden is a smart way to enjoy your outdoor space without the hard work. But even the easiest gardens need some TLC—and that's where Green Gardens comes in.
Our friendly, uniformed, and DBS-checked team provides reliable garden maintenance services across Surrey and West Sussex. From regular lawn care and pruning to full garden makeovers, we can help you create and maintain a garden you'll love.
Ready to transform your garden into a low-maintenance haven?
Call Green Gardens on 01372 510050 or 01403 283900
Email us at [email protected]
Let Green Gardens take care of your garden, so you can spend more time enjoying it.
