Top 8 Lazy Landscaping Ideas

Some people enjoy the laborious task of lawn and garden maintenance. The rest of us, on the other hand, would rather relax and let that little piece of heaven take care of itself. Find simple ways to make your outdoor space the envy of the neighborhood ahead.

1. Hardscaping

Less lawn equals less work. The use of pavers, brick, or decorative stone is the best argument for hardscaping. Whether you choose a patio or garden paths, you'll have a long-lasting surface that doesn't require weeding or watering, though you may want to sweep it occasionally. There are numerous options available, ranging from neat grids to a patchwork effect—great low-maintenance front yard landscaping is just a stone's throw away.

2. One and Done

Unlike annuals, which must be planted every year, perennials are a gift that keeps on giving season after season. However, some perennials require less attention than others. Gardeners who are forgetful will appreciate the drought-tolerant pasqueflower or the delicate-looking but tough penstemon. We like brilliant sedum and, yes, yarrow in hot and dry climates.

3. Go Native

Plants adapted to their environments long before humans, so native species are an excellent choice for the relaxed landscaper. Native plants require less fertilizer, water, pesticides, and overall care than settlers' plants.

4. Fake It

Artificial grass has progressed far beyond your grandfather's Astroturf. Today's synthetics, made of nylon or polymer, have varying heights and color gradations to mimic the real thing. It's even possible to plant a tree in it. Despite the high cost ($7 to $18 per square foot), your faux lawn will be completely hassle-free.

5. Less Is More

Rather than crowding a bed with many plants that will need to be cared for, plant only a few high-impact, high-performance varieties. Planting a few nice trees and some hardy perennials gives you more time to relax in the hammock.

6. Place in Succulents

Succulents (such as echeveria, agave, and sedum) are your garden go-to's if watering is low on your priority list. They are tough, colorful, and captivating, and they also play well with others, so combining them adds interest to your landscape. However, drainage is critical: depending on your local soil, you may be better off planting this shallow-rooting, sun-loving plants in raised beds with porous, well-aerated soil.

7. Pass on the Grass

Replace traditional turf with a low-maintenance ground cover to relieve your mowing muscles and reduce your water and fertilizer load. These plants produce a plush carpet, and there are enough varieties to suit almost any climate and traffic condition. Consider creeping perennials that form mats, such as New Zealand brass buttons (Leptinella squalida), Scotch or Irish moss (Sagina subulata), or low-growing clover.

8. Set and Forget

 

It can be difficult to stick to your watering schedule. Take steps to automate it so you won't forget. If you have an irrigation system, program the timer according to the season. If you don't have underground sprinklers, you can still automate the process by purchasing a hose bib timer. Your grass will appreciate it.

 

 

Specializing in Payson AZ Real Estate, Bank Foreclosures, Homes for Sale in Payson, Land for sale in Payson, and more... Visit me at www.ArizonaResourceRealty.com and learn about my REO Broker Profile in Arizona.

Professionally,         TAMRA LEE ULMER   OWNER / BROKER     NRBA~ FORCE ~A-REO™~CREA~ CDPE~ NABPOP~ C-REPS~ FIVE STAR ~ BPOR ~ WBENC       ***     OVER 1000 REO PROPERTIES SOLD SINCE 1999!... EXPERIENCE COUNTS!       m. 480-442-8617     t. 928-474-2550 ext 700     e. Tamra.Lee.Ulmer@ResourceAZ.com     w. ArizonaResourceRealty.com     ***     CREA - Certified Real Estate Auctioneer®     www.ArizonaPropertyAuctions.com     Servicing The Heart ♥ Of Arizona Since 1999!     NOW HIRING SUPERSTAR AGENTS FOR HEAVY LEAD FLOW!           The information in this electronic mail message is the sender's confidential business and may be legally privileged. It is intended solely for the addressee(s). Access to this internet electronic mail message by anyone else is unauthorized. If you are not the intended recipient, any disclosure, copying, distribution or any action taken or omitted to be taken in reliance on it is prohibited and may be unlawful.     Learn how to become friends with Change... as it is the only thing in life that's Certain!