Looking after a garden can be one of the great pleasures of owning a home, but it requires work and perseverance.
Not every plant will grow as you’d like, and some may even die. That’s just part of the gardener’s journey.
Forming a vision for your garden before spending on plants can minimize the time you’ll need to keep your flower beds, shrubs and lawn in good order.
Today’s buyers are putting an increasing premium on the garden, whether it’s a private sanctuary or a communal space at an apartment block.
Interior designers remain focused on linking the interior and outdoors. Installing cafe doors or sliding doors that open onto a beautiful garden or entertainment area are all part of our renewed desire to reconnect with nature in a small but important way.
Occasionally, prospective buyers will back away from a property simply because they think the workload of a garden is too much.
You can get a similar response to swimming pools, which folks often dislike because of the cost and maintenance required.
Understandably, many homeowners want to keep their gardening duties to a minimum. To achieve this, you must select plants requiring as little maintenance as possible.
These options are hassle-free, and they will grow back every year.
Lavender
If you don’t cut it back too severely, lavender will give you years of pleasure. It has a beautiful aroma and can make a low hedge that might line a footpath. When trimming, never cut it back to the wood.
Hydrangeas
The big blooms of purples, pinks and whites make this plant a favorite wherever you go. Dead-head last season’s flowers when you see new shoots emerge. A hydrangea will grow to 8ft, making it perfect for privacy.
Peonies
If you can find a spot in your garden that gets six hours of sunshine daily, a peony will pay you back with glorious pink flowers. They require care while they become established in the soil. But after that teething period, it will likely grow 3ft x 3ft, giving you a wonderful feature.
Lupines
Offering a variety of color possibilities, the lupine has tall flower spikes and looks amazing when clumped together with other lupines. If you want to attract butterflies, bees and other pollinators, it’s hard to go past these.
Salvias
This plant will flower for long periods, thriving in full sun and with regular watering. In the sage family, salvia comes in various colors, including red, purple and blue. It will give you a splash of color through spring and summer.
Hostas
With its spectacular verdant leaves, the hostas will make a statement in any flower bed. Another perennial, it has either white or purple flowers. When it gets too big, dividing the roots and replanting is easy. Spring is best for this task.