Low Maintenance Garden Design

Get ready to be inspired by a range of practical-but-brilliant materials that will transform your outdoor space without committing you to regular, never-ending maintenance!

Why might you like a low maintenance garden?

One of the most common reasons why you might be considering a redesign of your garden is to reduce the maintenance involved. Spring and summer are wonderful times of the year. But if you have grass, you may dread all that grass cutting, edge trimming, raking, and sweeping. Not to mention planting, pruning, watering, weeding, and hedge cutting.

For some people, the physical nature of all that garden labour is understandably too much. They simply have no option but to ‘make do’ with a low maintenance garden.

For others, it’s a lack of available time. A demanding career or a busy family life (sometimes both) means that time is stretched thin and most weeks are packed full of activity.

There’s also the pet factor to consider. A dog-friendly garden can often mean a low-maintenance garden, depending on the size, breed, and behaviour of the dog. Some dogs simply can’t resist digging up grass, soil, or stones. Some play rough and can damage delicate plants, borders, and water features. Not forgetting that some plants are toxic to dogs.

How To Achieve A Modern, Low Maintenance Garden Design

We know that a low maintenance garden appeals to all sorts of people and is actually quite a common requirement. But how can we introduce a modern feel? How can we enhance a low maintenance garden with a unique, personalised quality that makes it feel special?

In the past, options were limited. People resorted to paving, gravel, or wood chips.

Modern materials like artificial lawn, composite decking, and resin bound gravel give you options. These can be customised and combined to create a truly unique and inspiring garden that requires little maintenance.

Let’s take a look at each material in detail.

Materials for Low Maintenance Gardens

Artificial Lawns

This can be something of a ‘taboo’ subject for some gardeners. But artificial turf has a role to play. In fact, it’s the perfect solution for those who want the look of grass but not the regular maintenance.

What makes artificial lawns low maintenance?

• No mowing
• No watering
• No feeding
• No weeding

Appearance

Modern artificial turf can be surprisingly realistic. An artificial lawn is always green and lush. You can choose from a range of different styles of grass to suit your tastes. Various choices of pile and texture are available. It’s enough to make the neighbours jealous.

Durability

Artificial grass does not fade. It provides a soft and durable surface. It is a great practical solution for households with children and dogs as it recovers easily from frequent use. And no mud in sight.

Maintenance

Little maintenance is required to keep an artificial lawn looking great. A quick sweep with a garden brush will keep the pile at its best. We recommend a leaf blower as an easy way to remove fallen leaves. Any unwanted waste, dirt, or debris is easily removed with a power washer.

See a completed project with artificial lawn at its heart.

Check out our contemporary redesign project in Edinburgh.

Thinking about an artificial lawn?

For more information, prices, and samples of artificial lawn from our trusted suppliers get in touch. We’ll be delighted to help.

Composite Decking

Composite decking is an attractive, low maintenance option and is available in a choice of colours. Stylish and contemporary, composite is a mix of wood and plastic that requires minimal maintenance.

What Makes Composite Decking Low Maintenance?

• No scratches
• No stains
• No splinters
• No treatments required

Appearance

Composite decking is ideal for gardens with a more contemporary feel. It’s available in a range of colours and finishes, from charcoals and greys to more rustic finishes that resemble weathered wood. Clips and edging strips mean that there are no visible screw-heads.

Durability

Composite decking will keep the same look and colour for longer than timber decking which can change over time due to weather and usage. It is pet and child-friendly. It is slip-resistant, stain-resistant, and scratch-resistant.

Our recommended suppliers all offer a manufacturer’s warranty.

Maintenance

Composite is very hard-wearing and low maintenance. Composite decking will not warp, splinter, split or rot. It’s fade-resistant and flame retardant. A brush or gentle wash will keep it looking good all year round.

See another completed project that benefited from composite decking as part of our new build garden project in Newbridge.

Thinking about composite decking?

Read our article for even more detail about composite decking, ‘What type of decking should you choose’.

For more information, prices, and samples of artificial lawn from our trusted suppliers get in touch.

We’ll be delighted to help.

Resin Bound Gravel

Resin bound gravel provides a smooth, strong, highly durable and attractive surface requiring very little maintenance.

Coloured aggregates are mixed with a specialist resin to form a permeable surface which allows water to drain naturally through the finished surface. Resin bound gravel can be used to form paths and patios and can be laid in virtually any shape. Attractive edgings are used to provide the finishing touch.

With little maintenance required, resin-bound gravel can prove more cost-effective than traditional paving methods.

What makes it low maintenance?

• No scattering
• No cracking
• No sweeping
• No weeds

Appearance

All of the stones used in resin bound gravel are natural and are available in a range of sizes and colours. This gives you the ability to create a bespoke and personalised look for surfaces in your low maintenance garden.

You can enjoy the gravel aesthetic without the annoyances that usually come with normal gravel that scatters easily.

Durability

Resin bound gravel is laid on top of any suitable sound base like concrete or tarmac. This makes the surface very durable and stops it from being worn down or cracked.

The resin is resistant to UV light, so it won’t lose any colour or break down. Resin bound gravel will retain its pristine appearance for years to come.

Maintenance

A resin bound surface is very low maintenance. A quick pressure wash every now and then is enough to keep your garden path or patio looking immaculate. Resin bound gravel does not support weed growth.

See completed projects that benefit from resin bound gravel:

• Hospice Garden, Kirkcaldy
• Courtyard Project, Kirriemuir

Thinking about resin bound gravel?

For more information, prices, and samples of artificial lawn from our trusted suppliers get in touch.

We’ll be delighted to help.

Low Maintenance Garden Finishing Touches

As you can see, a low maintenance garden doesn’t have to be an uninspiring sea of gravel or bark with no style. Modern materials, combined with some traditional elements such as stone and timber, can be used to create shape, build height, and introduce a variety of different colours and textures.

Some Inspiration for your Low Maintenance Garden

• A stone monolith water feature adds height, sound and movement
• An arch or pergola adds height, interest and climbing plants can add colour and scent
• Edgings and paving add contrast and texture
• Raised beds or borders can be topped with one of the many decorative gravel or slates available, again adding colour, interest and texture
• Planting can also break up areas, whether placed directly into the ground or by using decorative pots to complement your chosen style

Get in Touch for Expert Advice on Designing a Low Maintenance Garden

At Gardens Galore, we have many years’ experience in creating beautiful gardens to suit any lifestyle. With so many choices available we will be happy to visit you to discuss your project and the best options for your situation. We can also provide samples to help with your final choices.

Email us or call our experienced and friendly team on 01738 553 014 (9.00am until 5.00pm, Monday to Friday).