I have started doing baseless containers. I cut the bottom out and the roots can go into the ground. It cuts down on watering, it becomes almost as easy to care for as planted trees, shrubs and perennials. Hanging baskets are easier with drip but still are labor intensive to me. I keep one on the porch.
Oh, the deer. We live next to a university wood, so deer roam free and proliferate like dandelions. They like daylilies, hydrangea, hostas, any blossom except zinnia...I could go on, but you get the picture! They are beautiful, BUT....!
I love my day lilies (from Oakes company) and I have deer. I spray (liberally) “Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent” on these plants and they leave them alone. Of course, the deer eat the hostas instead but that’s ok. It smells when first applied but once dried, it’s ok.
I try to incorporate native plants because they don’t require much fuss, mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds, and finally use drip where possible to reduce hand watering. Happy July 4th!
Being retired and getting older I don't want my husband on a ladder so we hacked the Burning bushes way down to a good size for reaching. They came back well and are so much easier to trim. We also quit mulching the flower gardens which relieves us of hauling in and cleaning out. Love your videos and your clothes and style post. I now go thrifting for clothes with no guilt.LOL
The way my husband and I do it is that he takes care of all the lawn, (And we have a double size lot) and I do all the care for the flower gardens. It works for us!
I live in zone 8. My property is basically a rectangular shape. I sectioned off 5 zones. Two days for the front yard left and right. Two days for the back yard left and right. One day for the two side yards. I water my weeds before I pull them. Makes it easier to pull. I don't sweat the little weeds as much as I do vines. I set an alarm for 30 minutes and don't worry if it's not perfect. Main thing is to get tide of vines and rough trees in bad places that can kill off what you do want and love.
My garden is sprouting mushrooms from all the rain! For me, if I spend 15 minutes a day or every other day to deadhead, pinch, pull weeds, pick up debris - things stay tidy. I also reduced my lawn, takes me 10 minutes to cut with an old fashioned reel mower!
I like to chase the shade and stay out of direct sun while tending my garden. I potted up 4 Green Velvet boxwood topiaries and three Jetstream hydrangeas today in my LV urns. I’m gradually shifting toward evergreens and flowering shrubs for more structure🌳🌳🌳Happy Independence Day♥️🤍💙
For me is definitely reducing the size of my garden and choosing perennials, shrubs, and just a few colorful annuals. I love your garden...I can’t picture you in a different garden setting.
I had the same thought in exact this row: No lawn, no pots, shrubs, plant densely with good perennials, not a complicated style. And right plant for the right place: look what works, dessert plant in a shady bog doesn't work. Make it simple not elaborated planting. Only hardy plants. No finicky plants.
I got rid of lawn and replaced it with thyme, rosemary, angelina sedum and drought tolerant, low maintenance shrubs. It smells heavenly when it gets watered out there! Some of my favorite plants are purple hopseeds that I used as a "green fence" between my house and a neighbors'. Color is wonderful, barely needs water once established, and super low maintenance. I am in Zone 9 B.
I’m in zone 9b, too. I just moved into a new house and there’s grass all in the backyard and I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get rid of it and not have to mow. I had thought about sprinkling clover seeds everywhere. You say you replace the grass with herbs? How did you do that? Just sprinkle seeds everywhere?
@@aquaseahorselove3939 I don't know how much space you have, but I planted using small starters from flats and spaced somewhat close together. I suspect seeding would not produce what you want quickly enough and you would have to deal with pulling up a lot of weeds in the meantime. Given how warm it seems to be almost year round now, that could get old very fast. If I were to do it over again, I would probably use more sedum and inarea's where there is no stepping at all. Best of luck!
@@aquaseahorselove3939 I’m in zone 9a. When I got rid of my lawn we sprayed it with glyphosphate and covered it with a plastic cover. took a while but it all died grass weeds everything. then we were able to till the soil amend the soil and turn it into our gardens
My husband said to me not to plan more than we can take care of. I said this is my retirement plan. We need to get this stuff done so when we retire it’s just maintenance, with the occasional help from our kids. 😉
A deep layer of shredded natural cedar bark mulch has really helped in the maintenance of my gardens. Also lots of hosta plants and interesting foliage shrubs. My color flowers are mostly in pots dispersed here and there. Easy and enjoyable.
Your garden is gorgeous Linda, I have been gardening for 60yrs, and I must say, I am still learning so much from you! Thank you… Just love all your fabulous box & rosemary topiary, also love pea gravel in my pots.. Never get tired of walk about in your garden… Also, Stuart does a great job with the camera, slow movement!!
Last week, I purchased a canvas printed with stylized blooms on it from a thrift shop. The woman who rang up the sale commented on how lovely it is. I told her my wife and I enjoy gardening, so the canvas reflects that interest. She responded that she does not have a green thumb. I told her I don't believe that... to grow things successfully only requires education, experience and observation, and coming to realize that a lot is trial-and-error... and luck! Even the best gardener will suffer the occasional loss.
I am gratified to see in the comments that folks are doing similar things with their gardens to cut down on work. We mulch, mulch, mulch. I also try to pick a few weeds any time I am out there. We have drip irrigation throughout the front back and side yards so I have very little hand watering to do. I have also switched to more larger flowering shrubs and planting them a bit more densely but I have learned that the height and width that they state on the labels mean it will be much taller and wider than what it says when it matures in my yard. 😅 Also our weedy grasses manage to grow under the densest bush and then stick their little seed pods up through and above the bush! We are completely eliminating all lawn and going with decomposed granite and I have greatly expanded our flowerbeds. We temporarily lost most of our backyard to road construction and recently got it back. Sad to lose some of our trees but now we have an almost blank slate and are having a ball with the planning and implementation. Also trying to go with a lot more natives to help out the critters and birds. So far they are loving it. BTW we are in coastal Southern California.
"I have also switched to more larger flowering shrubs..." I love when a grammatical rule is successfully broken, here the double comparative makes sense and is correct! Touché! I have a friend who used to keep a notebook of interesting English language usage. I'll have to ask if he is keeping up with this as this would make for a great entry!
Thanks Linda for the tips. I am on zone 6. I used a lot of river stone, gravel, stepping stones to create Japanese garden with winding path. There are flowering shrubs, perennials , evergreens on both sides of paths. Low maintenance Hostas and river stones can act as mulch. Blower and drip irrigation save time. Small weeding jobs are taken care while taking daily walks along the paths.The lawn services are contracted out. This kind of arrangement provides interest for four season.
My top list is also to reduce the turf. I do love to mow grass, and feel a large sense of satisfaction when I put the mower up and look at the finished product. But I don’t want to spend all my time cutting grass. When I do make a new bed I am sure to make it easy to mow around. No sharp corners. But the curves have to make sense. Also really consider the mature size of shrubs and trees that you plant. It is easy to want the mature look right away. Restraint can be hard! 🌳🌳🌳
Attending a garden is a spiritual job not a lot of people recognise . Keeping plants healthy and happy is with no doubt a blessing job. I beleive plants pray thankfully for you in their own ways. 🙏🙏🙏🙏⚘. Happy 4th of July 💐
Several years we were planming a month long trip. We ran automatic drip irrigation to our hanging baskets on the front porch and planters on the back deck. Game changer! I only do large planters and have converted the ones away from the house, where drip would be inconvenient, into self watering containers. I have a converted wheelbarrow in a shaded area filled with caladiums, ferns and impatiens that I need to water maybe 2 times a season.
What a fantastic idea for a wheelbarrow that has lived it’s life! I have a shady area that I’m hesitant to plant in because of the slugs and snails. But a wheelbarrow would really bring some interest and save my investment from the critters. Thank you for sharing!! ♥️🙏🏻
Yes, I actually now have 3 set around our acre. Adds a nice pop of color to shaded areas, no weeds invade and the rabbits can't t get to them. Good luck!
I have 10 acres. Half wooded half lawn and gardens. We are continually making more gardens to reduce lawn. The woods have a series of trails that we maintain with a leaf blower and a tractor. Gardening is what you make it. I like invasive plants...but I have the area for them.
I've been enjoying establishing my garden since moving in 5 years ago but now getting to the point where it's becoming more about maintenance - and so far I've found that well-placed weed matting in the harder-to-reach areas, and bark chips/gravel cut down on my weeding time. 🌿
Gardening can be easy if you break the work into little Dailey projects. Some days I do very little in the garden. My big push is lots of ground cover because mulching is a lot of work. I have gradually been able to develop less mulch which has really cut down on weeding too. Plus I plant dwarf perennials which require little pruning.
Loved this video especially for us older gardeners. One thing is that my flowerbeds are all edged with brick or stone like material so i dont have to maintain the edges. All done.another tip is that i have my containers ptetty much contained to the back patio area. Easy to water to maneuver and keep a check on. More videos please for othet tips for the older gardener. And yes, i did read the book you recommended for olde4 gardeners. Thanks.
I totally agree with all those 5 tips. Especially, reducing the lawn. I do use an electric mower with a bag to collect the clipping which I use for compost. Great source of nitrogen!
Hi Linda, really enjoyed that video as not so young gardener it sometimes seems like a mountain to climb. a friend recently said she at least tried each day to take a walk around her garden with a bucket and fill it with dead heading or weeds or just snippets and at least you felt you were keeping control of things. Going to hit the replay button now in case I missed anything.
I also put most of my pots on drip irrigation. I have to irrigate my yard. No rain here. Roseville CA, 9b. So it's easy to tap into my already established water line. Something to think about to make you independent of your yard. 🥰
Great tips. I am rethinking trimming my Japanese Dappled Willow Tree after straining my back yesterday. Even at 6 feet tall, those top branches are tough! Will definitely be reaching out for help next time.
Happy Fourth y’all I’ve been learning a lot from your videos. I even was brave enough to do a raised bed and fill the front yard with greenery. Thank you ❤️
I have layered my garden with seasonal bulbs and tubers and perennials for each season so as soon as one season finishes the other is in…I do annuals in a few pots and place in between areas that need color…I also love the cottage style so I pack my beds and so hardly any weeds…the garden only needs to be deadhead after things quit blooming…
Thanks so much for the advice! You’re gardens are absolutely gorgeous! Another tip I would add would be to add drought tolerant perennials. While of course they will need water to get established in their first year, after that I’ve heard that many drought tolerant perennials, such as coneflowers( I just planted two beautiful red ones about a week and a half ago) will need very little watering. I don’t know about you, but with just my hose, it can take water all the flower beds and strawberries that I have can take forever, so I’m hoping that once my more drought tolerant flowers become established, that it’s going to shave a whole lot of watering time off.
Hi Linda Your garden is beautiful. I could never leave it if it were mine. Your plants even though you've nurtured them sometimes have to be discarded. You can't keep dead plants however much you try. And really some plants do come to the end of their life. As for the maintenance side, you know how much you can take labour wise. As you said it is your hobby and your love so you will give it your utmost. And what is labour? Keep making us happy with your life💞
After my struggle this spring with the combination of bad knees and the PNW rampant weed growth I’ve come up with a plan. I have several large beds with very well established rhododendrons, hydrangea and roses. I used to under plant with annuals every year after intensely weeding, but this year I started incorporating perennials and re seeders. Because of the increase in cost of annuals vs perennials I’ve researched and planted a lot of the space with dense ground cover plants. My hope is that these will suppress the weeds and cover the earth while I accumulate more perennials. In theory I should be able to just pull/ cut back the ground cover and plant. Don’t worry, Virginia Creeper in not on my list. I really hope this works.
A wonderful gift from Linda, thank you. Excellent tips. I never go away disappointed always in awe. Drip system can make life easier, I know it would for me
Great ideas! Thank you. I live in the desert. So, I xeriscape with native plants that need very little watering. Then my large containers have flowers that. I can water quickly.
To help keep my garden low maintenance, I plant thickly (suppresses weeds), plant native plants as much as I can, and I try to follow the adage "right plant, right place." It makes such a difference to not have to fight your yard to keep a plant alive. Also, I embrace a little wildness - it helps pollinators, helps wildlife and it makes for a bit less work. I could never do the topiary thing like you do, as much as I think it looks sooo wonderful in your garden. :)
I keep mine very compact, bring in color in shrubbery and add potted annuals in a few containers only for seasonal color. I have a huge lawn, but have a husband with a riding mower.
Happy 4th of July Linda , One reason i use pea gravel instead of wood mulch is no fading , easy to maintain and i love the look beside the garden . It also helps by reflecting heat back to the flowers and shrubs from the sun. I just Love your videos and hope to see more !
Zone 10a. I spend about 30 minutes in the early morning before it gets too hot doing the small chores like small weeds, deadheading etc. My husband and I are at the age where we hire a company to do the heavy work like mulching, heavy trimming etc. We love a tidy, well manicured garden but we recognize our limitations.
I’ve watched myself evolve as a gardener. At first I was all about color in annuals too. Then I progressed to perennials and bulbs, and now I’m doing as you and putting in lots of blooming shrubbery !
I love a mature garden and the wisdom that blooms from it. My time-saving garden tip is to invest in an automatic irrigation system if you have more than one plant bed! 🌺
I live on 3 acres in Canada. Although our gardening season only runs from late April thro late September , when it’s gardening season it could be overwhelming. So I have my acres divided into 5 zones and spend 2 hours each morning in one specific zone...weeding, deadheading, pruning... Secondly, I had an irrigation system installed so I don’t need to spend hours watering. Finally, to enjoy my labours, I make it my practice to stroll around the garden most evenings to enjoy the Beauty that surrounds me. Happy gardening! 🌸
Love your garden video tips and the fashion section! I always carry a small plastic bucket when I walk around my garden for the weeds! I love watering all my containers...makes me feel happy early in the morning!
Again I am encouraged to consider how to "prune" my own garden and landscape plan as I begin my newly purchased home. With more space than yours, I need to balance intense plantings and maintenance of such. Along with that, I have a small lake abutting my back yard on my gently sloping yard, (excellent sunrise views), and a larger lake across the street in front on my gently mounding from yard( excellent for sunset viewing). High and low landscaping, and floral vs shrub/ tree balance will challenge my love for intense color and peaceful greenery. Texture and variety are important, as well as hardscaping pieces. This challenge is thrilling yet daunting for me! Hooray for your inspiration and information...MANY, MANY THANKS!!!
The best type of maintenance for me starts when I first choose a perennial plant. I need to know how big it is going to be and where I am going to put it. That way, I have somewhat of an expectation of what I am getting into to. Once we get to know our garden, it helps with the short and long term maintenance.
Much of my garden is 3-5 years old, and in the areas where I used dense planting and ground cover plants, the weeds are definitely less problem. I’ve been layering ground covers too. Thank goodness many of the baby shrubs and plants have finally put on some size.
I dig up as much lawn as I can every year. That is by far the most high maintenance part of the garden and I don't do anything with it but mow. And mow. And mow. And mow. I would much rather spend my time making paths and caring for my vegetable garden.
I have a different perspective on this. Over the years, I've added and expanded flower beds, reducing my lawns area. As I'm getting older now, I kind of regret doing that. The beds require far more maintenance--mulching ever year, constant weeding, deadheading, pruning, clearing out dead leaves, etc. Also, in the winter when the perennials are nothing but dead twigs, every leaf in the neighborhood blows into my yard and gets caught in the beds, about a foot high, which takes me weeks in the early Spring to clear out by hand and with a rake (which ALWAYS gets caught on plants and ground cover) since they won't blow out. By contrast, I can just blow them off the lawn area easily. Also, weeding the lawn is a matter of simply walking and spraying, rather than stooping and hand crawling to pull endless bed weeds. Mowing is also just walking once a week, and I now have a company that even does that for me. As for overseeding, again, it's just a matter of walking once a year or 2 in the Fall. Easy peasy. In-ground sprinklers for the lawn, and drip for the flower beds takes care of watering. I keep wanting to add beds, but now I think twice about how much more work that is than just having grass that can just be mowed rather than the daily chores of flower beds. I like the idea of having more flowering shrubs, so maybe I'll slowly convert to that.
My goal for my yard is to have more flowers/flower beds than grass.. I want some grass but I want it to be nice grass.. hard to do in a shady yard.. I'm getting there..
@@Mustangmom2k I totally agree. Get the little lawn mower out once a week, then the garden looks neat and smells fresh. Flower beds are great but unless you have ground covers, tight planting and evergreens it's high maintenance. I also have 2 huge oak trees from my neighbor which the leaves land in my yard and of course in my flower beds! I apprehend November...
@@kimberly8185 I do, too! Love that stuff, but it only works for a few weeks around here. Every time it rains, I swear there are a thousand new little weeds that pop up literally overnight. I guess I should use the Preen more, but it's expensive and I forget to keep at it once the initial Spring clean up is done. Preen is a life-saver on my large paver patio! I still get some weeds, but nearly as many. Also, I had gravel in a xeriscape yard when I lived in CO, but for me, it was a weed magnet, too. Ha!--maybe it's me. I attract every mosquito bite and every weed regardless where I live. I may try gravel again in small areas, but I have to say, I do like how mulch enriches the soil.
Linda, Although I live on the other side of the Ocean (Belgium) I found a kindred spirit in you. I garden the way you garden, and I endorse your way of gardening and feel supported. My garden is somewhat smaller than yours, but I recognise so much. I always enjoy your videos, tips and recommendations. Looking forward to the next.
I just home from Lowe’s in Houston where I saw your display for the augers. I had to buy one. My husband couldn’t wait to try it out and dug a few holes as soon as we got home. Works great!
I have many shrubs/grasses/perennials in my gardens too. Also on my daily “walk about” I always bring a basket or bucket, pruners or scissors, and always look for any weeds that need pulled.
I don’t think I’ve ever finished a cup of coffee in the garden because the weeds scream at me. As I get older, Linda, it’s the low gardening that is the hardest. My knees won’t cooperate.
Preach! I had to switch to strictly container gardening, with the containers up on stands. I sure do miss planting something in the actual ground and watching it take off.
I plant all kinds of ground covers in every bed to keep down the weeds. I also like evergreens in containers because you don’t have to keep redoing them every year, it’s cost effective too. Great tips! Thanks! I’m all about low maintenance! 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌸🌸🌸🌸😃
newly installed garden bed along the side of my home that I repeat with flowers and shrubs that are in the front yard such as sedum cone flowers, spirea, dianthus and daisies. High performers, low maintenance, and can tolerate dryer summers so I don't have to water every day. Front porch is where I do containers with annuals every year for pops of vibrant color throughout the season.
Hi Linda, I purchased one of your planters on QVC and in your honor, planted pink geraniums in it. Then, i ordered the fedora on line. I hope I can wear it as well as you!!! I guess you could say I'm channeling you, lol. Thank you for all of the classy inspiration! Hope your holiday weekend is great!!!
Linda, as a mature gardener and a long time follower of your videos. I have to say this is one of the most informative videos you have ever presented. I especially liked tip four. Perhaps you could do a follow up video of plant selection. I’ve planted Vinca Minor haphazardly and it’s reducing my weeding time. Unfortunately, with my back issues. I am now aging my gardening in place.
Some of the most beautiful residential gardens I’ve seen in my neighborhood do not have any flowering annuals. The beauty comes from flowering trees and shrubs with different forms, shapes and foliage shades that work well together. Personally I also use a lot of rocks, stones and the occasional pagoda statue amongst my plantings because I feel that these hardscapes can create a scene or tell a story.
I have two properties so i gets really challenging and i've had to really think about lower maintenance. I try to choose things that don't take tons of care, especially pruning. I use a lot of Azaleas, some Rhododendrons and quite a few hydrangeas. I love Hellebore, Sedum plants and clematis too. I use native plants. I also mulch, i'm organic except for preen here and there which i'm needing less and will eventually eliminate.
I agree with you Linda …here’s what I do. 1) Edit, Edit, Edit … a few big lush full planters & reduce the visual messy clutter of to many tiny pots. 2) Mulch ,Mulch, Mulch… It looks & smells great, is Cheap to buy, Suppresses weeds , keeps moisture locked in, and frost protector. Also mulch gives a finished look. I top dress the larger planters with mulch too. Mulch gives a big bang for the buck 3) Evergreens for yearly interest, especially blooming scrubs , nothing that needs a lot of clipping. Like hydrangeas rhododendrons, arborvitae 4) Patios , pea gravel, stone instead of large real wooden decks . 5) Use rocks from the garden for boarders and hard scape in an empty spot. 6) Low maintenance outdoor furniture , something that an easy yearly spray paint can renew at the start of the season. 7) Well chosen plants placed according to their light requirements.
Great advice ! Your third tip was exactly what I have done. I inherited a big grey gravel front garden, and didn't want to re-instate a lawn. So I've planted mostly evergreen shrubs with colourful foliage in the last 2 years and everything is taking well. Pride of place is a Photinia ( red robin ) - the sunlight through the cherry red new leaves is magnificent. Have also got yellow Berberis and a Spirea goldflame, Arborvitae Fire Chief for orange, and California Lilac for blue. I couldn't be bothered with all the work of flowers !
I agree with what you're saying. A healthy lawn is a thing of beauty, but making that happen takes a lot of time. Wish you could send some of your rain our way to CA.
Great tips, some of which I have already incorporated in my garden. My other thing(s) I do to save time are - 1). The plant/shrub needs to be hearty - I will baby it the first few months if it is something I really love, then it is on its’ own. 2). Anything I buy for the garden, in the way of decor, has to be winter proof! I live in Zone 6 and most plastic and ceramic items will not survive our cold, however, I love wrought iron and always look for it at garage sales/flea markets/thrift stores. They look great in the winter landscape as well. Yesterday I picked up a three tiered wrought iron ‘shelf theatre’ - score!!
Despite having weekly garden service I still do lots of work myself cutting, pruning & fertilizing. I think the container plants are very easy care once they are set & done. After it’s just water care. I’ve added more evergreen structure for a easier garden.
We have very hot dry summers here (Northern California zone 9b) so my biggest time suck in the garden is watering. Putting everything on automated watering is my biggest time saver to have a low maintenance garden.
I need to add reducing lawn in Pacific NW does not reduce work, we just have perfect weather for weeds to take over. Or grasses move into flower beds only in flower beds is where grass is more work for me, removing it.
Great tips, Linda. I think the secret is to do at least one thing in the garden, no matter how small, every single day to keep things from getting out of hand. Don't let days go by and then realize you are overwhelmed with work.
I enjoy all your videos but this one spoke to my time in life. I’m in a major transition time in life and my garden/yard. I have been spending a lot of time contemplating my aging future, retirement years and the time and energy I will be able to give to my space. Thanks!
Large Containers are easy to maintain and very satisfying because plants thrive in them. Bang for the buck. Ground covers and perennial beds once established are no maintenance.
Im in Tennessee and use mulch in my gardens for weed control, plant lots of perennials and do a daily walk-about pulling weeds, deadheading, etc. I've also installed drip irrigation! What a help!!
To get an idea of what Linda's stunning back garden looks like without containers, I thought of how it looks in the winter videos, because so many are put away for the season.... (still stunning!)
Loved watching your video today… two things: 1). Thanks for your tip in another video, my pests are Japanese beetles. I had no idea how destructive they can be! 2) We are building our forever home and watching your videos inspired me to plan to use faux grass with the pavers and gravel since our backyard is so small but mine will be mostly container plants grouped in areas … hoping this will give me the joy of keeping them trimmed and beautiful … time will tell, it is on the north side which means a lot of shade!
I'm with you on the lawn. Our yard is 200'x75' and when we moved in it was only grass. I've worked to reduce it for years. My husband does the mowing and edging; it's the edging that's a royal pain. I would also add to your list: plant as many natives as you can. They're already acclimated to your climate so will require less coddling. Thanks for such interesting videos.
Great garden tips today. Thank you. In our Colorado dry high altitude gardening we also plant low water plants (as close to native as possible), and we use drip irrigation and mulch to cut down on watering.
Linda, I appreciate this video so much.Like you, I love my container plants, but dragging hoses around my half acre was starting to grow old. One thing I decided to do was to put them mainly in two of my garden areas. I did leave some agaves and succulents in the other gardens because they don't require as much watering. Just this simple change has made me look forward to early morning watering. Thanks for all you do to share your wisdom.
Love your tips…and I’m following all of them except for the turf…Also love topiary’s and enjoy trimming them to the shape I like.. Doing a lot more container gardening as it helps me place plants in the required light. I certainly need to plant more flowering shrubs. Will let you know how l’m progressing with your suggestions..
I couldn’t agree more with planting flowering shrubs, which is what I do. I then plant annuals or perennials in the pockets between the shrubs. I’m in zone 10.
Love this video...I lined up one wall of my house with about 8 avender plants with black slate around them and another side of the wall with 6 boxwoods that im shaping into balls, with cedar mulch, which reduced the amount of just really weeds growing there, it looks neat really, now i am thinking of doing what you did, putting some slabs of stepping stones with pea gravel in between, to reduce further the amt of grass with ugly weeds spreading on them...so excited to do this next project...thanks so much for your videos, I really enjoy and binge on them!
Low maintenance for me is leaving my hoses out where I need them versus dragging them out and rewrapping them daily. Of course, if you have an underground watering system that would be even more low maintenance. Also, low-maintenance is having plenty of perennials and using cardboard for commercial strength weave cloth to avoid consistant weeding
The daily maintenance is one of the ways I enjoy my garden.
Never ever leave the garden without a handful of weeds or broken twigs , even if it's just one weed . Never leave empty handed
I have started doing baseless containers. I cut the bottom out and the roots can go into the ground. It cuts down on watering, it becomes almost as easy to care for as planted trees, shrubs and perennials. Hanging baskets are easier with drip but still are labor intensive to me. I keep one on the porch.
Even if it's just one bloom to put in a vase!
@@georgiacinq-mars1899 great food for thought- thanks!
Agnes- great idea and mindset!!!
@@georgiacinq-mars1899 do you cut the entire bottom off or just a square out of the bottom?
In my neighborhood, the deer herds have volunteered to do most of the heavy pruning!
Same here. My hostas and violets are just sticks now
Oh, the deer. We live next to a university wood, so deer roam free and proliferate like dandelions. They like daylilies, hydrangea, hostas, any blossom except zinnia...I could go on, but you get the picture! They are beautiful, BUT....!
I love my day lilies (from Oakes company) and I have deer. I spray (liberally) “Liquid Fence Deer & Rabbit Repellent” on these plants and they leave them alone. Of course, the deer eat the hostas instead but that’s ok. It smells when first applied but once dried, it’s ok.
I try to incorporate native plants because they don’t require much fuss, mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds, and finally use drip where possible to reduce hand watering. Happy July 4th!
How clever to discuss freeing oneself from garden chores on Independence Day!
Being retired and getting older I don't want my husband on a ladder so we hacked the Burning bushes way down to a good size for reaching. They came back well and are so much easier to trim. We also quit mulching the flower gardens which relieves us of hauling in and cleaning out. Love your videos and your clothes and style post. I now go thrifting for clothes with no guilt.LOL
The way my husband and I do it is that he takes care of all the lawn, (And we have a double size lot) and I do all the care for the flower gardens. It works for us!
Linda, I like the fact that you're still courageous enough to move on and start another garden in a new place. It's liberating to be that free.
I live in zone 8. My property is basically a rectangular shape. I sectioned off 5 zones. Two days for the front yard left and right. Two days for the back yard left and right. One day for the two side yards. I water my weeds before I pull them. Makes it easier to pull. I don't sweat the little weeds as much as I do vines. I set an alarm for 30 minutes and don't worry if it's not perfect. Main thing is to get tide of vines and rough trees in bad places that can kill off what you do want and love.
My garden is sprouting mushrooms from all the rain! For me, if I spend 15 minutes a day or every other day to deadhead, pinch, pull weeds, pick up debris - things stay tidy. I also reduced my lawn, takes me 10 minutes to cut with an old fashioned reel mower!
At my age now I have a gardener once a month to mow, whipper snip & trim several hedges.
I do the easy jobs !!
I like to chase the shade and stay out of direct sun while tending my garden. I potted up 4 Green Velvet boxwood topiaries and three Jetstream hydrangeas today in my LV urns. I’m gradually shifting toward evergreens and flowering shrubs for more structure🌳🌳🌳Happy Independence Day♥️🤍💙
For me is definitely reducing the size of my garden and choosing perennials, shrubs, and just a few colorful annuals. I love your garden...I can’t picture you in a different garden setting.
I had the same thought in exact this row: No lawn, no pots, shrubs, plant densely with good perennials, not a complicated style. And right plant for the right place: look what works, dessert plant in a shady bog doesn't work. Make it simple not elaborated planting. Only hardy plants. No finicky plants.
👍👍👍👍
I especially like your hair clip! Very interesting en chic! Great video!
I got rid of lawn and replaced it with thyme, rosemary, angelina sedum and drought tolerant, low maintenance shrubs. It smells heavenly when it gets watered out there! Some of my favorite plants are purple hopseeds that I used as a "green fence" between my house and a neighbors'. Color is wonderful, barely needs water once established, and super low maintenance. I am in Zone 9 B.
I’m in zone 9b, too. I just moved into a new house and there’s grass all in the backyard and I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get rid of it and not have to mow. I had thought about sprinkling clover seeds everywhere. You say you replace the grass with herbs? How did you do that? Just sprinkle seeds everywhere?
@@aquaseahorselove3939 I don't know how much space you have, but I planted using small starters from flats and spaced somewhat close together. I suspect seeding would not produce what you want quickly enough and you would have to deal with pulling up a lot of weeds in the meantime. Given how warm it seems to be almost year round now, that could get old very fast. If I were to do it over again, I would probably use more sedum and inarea's where there is no stepping at all. Best of luck!
@@aquaseahorselove3939 I’m in zone 9a. When I got rid of my lawn we sprayed it with glyphosphate and covered it with a plastic cover. took a while but it all died grass weeds everything. then we were able to till the soil amend the soil and turn it into our gardens
@@karenoconnell Okay, thanks, will check into this.
@@rebeccawhite9379 I’m doing organic gardening so I’m going to skip on the glyphosphate.
My husband said to me not to plan more than we can take care of. I said this is my retirement plan. We need to get this stuff done so when we retire it’s just maintenance, with the occasional help from our kids. 😉
A deep layer of shredded natural cedar bark mulch has really helped in the maintenance of my gardens. Also lots of hosta plants and interesting foliage shrubs. My color flowers are mostly in pots dispersed here and there. Easy and enjoyable.
Sounds great and the trick is “a deep layer” of mulch to slow the weeds.
Your garden is gorgeous Linda, I have been gardening for 60yrs, and I must say, I am still learning so much from you! Thank you… Just love all your fabulous box & rosemary topiary, also love pea gravel in my pots.. Never get tired of walk about in your garden… Also, Stuart does a great job with the camera, slow movement!!
I’ll tell him!
Me neither. Love to tag along with Linda & Stewart!!!!
Last week, I purchased a canvas printed with stylized blooms on it from a thrift shop. The woman who rang up the sale commented on how lovely it is. I told her my wife and I enjoy gardening, so the canvas reflects that interest. She responded that she does not have a green thumb. I told her I don't believe that... to grow things successfully only requires education, experience and observation, and coming to realize that a lot is trial-and-error... and luck! Even the best gardener will suffer the occasional loss.
We are just the opposite…no rain and extremely hot…90’s! We need rain so bad… Minnesota
Gardening is my hobby too… thanks for the tips.
It seems we have reversed climates in 2021!
I am gratified to see in the comments that folks are doing similar things with their gardens to cut down on work. We mulch, mulch, mulch. I also try to pick a few weeds any time I am out there. We have drip irrigation throughout the front back and side yards so I have very little hand watering to do. I have also switched to more larger flowering shrubs and planting them a bit more densely but I have learned that the height and width that they state on the labels mean it will be much taller and wider than what it says when it matures in my yard. 😅 Also our weedy grasses manage to grow under the densest bush and then stick their little seed pods up through and above the bush! We are completely eliminating all lawn and going with decomposed granite and I have greatly expanded our flowerbeds. We temporarily lost most of our backyard to road construction and recently got it back. Sad to lose some of our trees but now we have an almost blank slate and are having a ball with the planning and implementation. Also trying to go with a lot more natives to help out the critters and birds. So far they are loving it. BTW we are in coastal Southern California.
"I have also switched to more larger flowering shrubs..."
I love when a grammatical rule is successfully broken, here the double comparative makes sense and is correct! Touché!
I have a friend who used to keep a notebook of interesting English language usage. I'll have to ask if he is keeping up with this as this would make for a great entry!
Thanks Linda for the tips. I am on zone 6. I used a lot of river stone, gravel, stepping stones to create Japanese garden with winding path. There are flowering shrubs, perennials , evergreens on both sides of paths. Low maintenance Hostas and river stones can act as mulch. Blower and drip irrigation save time. Small weeding jobs are taken care while taking daily walks along the paths.The lawn services are contracted out. This kind of arrangement provides interest for four season.
My top list is also to reduce the turf. I do love to mow grass, and feel a large sense of satisfaction when I put the mower up and look at the finished product. But I don’t want to spend all my time cutting grass. When I do make a new bed I am sure to make it easy to mow around. No sharp corners. But the curves have to make sense. Also really consider the mature size of shrubs and trees that you plant. It is easy to want the mature look right away. Restraint can be hard! 🌳🌳🌳
Attending a garden is a spiritual job not a lot of people recognise . Keeping plants healthy and happy is with no doubt a blessing job. I beleive plants pray thankfully for you in their own ways. 🙏🙏🙏🙏⚘. Happy 4th of July 💐
Agree whole heartedly. I try to be thankful every time I walk in my garden.
Several years we were planming a month long trip. We ran automatic drip irrigation to our hanging baskets on the front porch and planters on the back deck.
Game changer!
I only do large planters and have converted the ones away from the house, where drip would be inconvenient, into self watering containers.
I have a converted wheelbarrow in a shaded area filled with caladiums, ferns and impatiens that I need to water maybe 2 times a season.
What a fantastic idea for a wheelbarrow that has lived it’s life! I have a shady area that I’m hesitant to plant in because of the slugs and snails. But a wheelbarrow would really bring some interest and save my investment from the critters. Thank you for sharing!! ♥️🙏🏻
Yes, I actually now have 3 set around our acre. Adds a nice pop of color to shaded areas, no weeds invade and the rabbits can't t get to them.
Good luck!
Beth- talk about no maintenance!!!!! Your setup sounds great!!!
I have 10 acres. Half wooded half lawn and gardens. We are continually making more gardens to reduce lawn. The woods have a series of trails that we maintain with a leaf blower and a tractor.
Gardening is what you make it.
I like invasive plants...but I have the area for them.
Exactly!
I've been enjoying establishing my garden since moving in 5 years ago but now getting to the point where it's becoming more about maintenance - and so far I've found that well-placed weed matting in the harder-to-reach areas, and bark chips/gravel cut down on my weeding time. 🌿
Native and drought tolerant perennials are a must!
The day I win the lottery, I'll be knocking on your door to make an offer on your home. My dream garden!
Gardening can be easy if you break the work into little Dailey projects. Some days I do very little in the garden.
My big push is lots of ground cover because mulching is a lot of work. I have gradually been able to develop less mulch which has really cut down on weeding too. Plus I plant dwarf perennials which require little pruning.
Loved this video especially for us older gardeners. One thing is that my flowerbeds are all edged with brick or stone like material so i dont have to maintain the edges. All done.another tip is that i have my containers ptetty much contained to the back patio area. Easy to water to maneuver and keep a check on.
More videos please for othet tips for the older gardener. And yes, i did read the book you recommended for olde4 gardeners. Thanks.
Yes! Containers, mulch, stones, edging. I use homemade weed killer also.
What was the name of the book?
I think she mentioned that book in this video. 5 tips for low maintenence gardening. I cant remember the name of the book. SORRY!
@@carolyost6733 I’ll watch it again, thanks
I totally agree with all those 5 tips. Especially, reducing the lawn. I do use an electric mower with a bag to collect the clipping which I use for compost. Great source of nitrogen!
I plant mostly shrubs and evergreens, like you were saying. Lots of variety in color, flower, and size with little maintenance.
Hi Linda, really enjoyed that video as not so young gardener it sometimes seems like a mountain to climb.
a friend recently said she at least tried each day to take a walk around her garden with a bucket and fill it with dead heading or weeds or just snippets and at least you felt you were keeping control of things.
Going to hit the replay button now in case I missed anything.
I also put most of my pots on drip irrigation. I have to irrigate my yard. No rain here. Roseville CA, 9b. So it's easy to tap into my already established water line.
Something to think about to make you independent of your yard. 🥰
Great tips. I am rethinking trimming my Japanese Dappled Willow Tree after straining my back yesterday. Even at 6 feet tall, those top branches are tough! Will definitely be reaching out for help next time.
Happy Fourth y’all I’ve been learning a lot from your videos. I even was brave enough to do a raised bed and fill the front yard with greenery.
Thank you ❤️
I have layered my garden with seasonal bulbs and tubers and perennials for each season so as soon as one season finishes the other is in…I do annuals in a few pots and place in between areas that need color…I also love the cottage style so I pack my beds and so hardly any weeds…the garden only needs to be deadhead after things quit blooming…
Thanks so much for the advice! You’re gardens are absolutely gorgeous! Another tip I would add would be to add drought tolerant perennials. While of course they will need water to get established in their first year, after that I’ve heard that many drought tolerant perennials, such as coneflowers( I just planted two beautiful red ones about a week and a half ago) will need very little watering. I don’t know about you, but with just my hose, it can take water all the flower beds and strawberries that I have can take forever, so I’m hoping that once my more drought tolerant flowers become established, that it’s going to shave a whole lot of watering time off.
Hi Linda
Your garden is beautiful. I could never leave it if it were mine. Your plants even though you've nurtured them sometimes have to be discarded. You can't keep dead plants however much you try. And really some plants do come to the end of their life. As for the maintenance side, you know how much you can take labour wise. As you said it is your hobby and your love so you will give it your utmost. And what is labour? Keep making us happy with your life💞
After my struggle this spring with the combination of bad knees and the PNW rampant weed growth I’ve come up with a plan. I have several large beds with very well established rhododendrons, hydrangea and roses. I used to under plant with annuals every year after intensely weeding, but this year I started incorporating perennials and re seeders. Because of the increase in cost of annuals vs perennials I’ve researched and planted a lot of the space with dense ground cover plants. My hope is that these will suppress the weeds and cover the earth while I accumulate more perennials. In theory I should be able to just pull/ cut back the ground cover and plant. Don’t worry, Virginia Creeper in not on my list. I really hope this works.
Excellent!
A wonderful gift from Linda, thank you. Excellent tips. I never go away disappointed always in awe. Drip system can make life easier, I know it would for me
Great ideas! Thank you. I live in the desert. So, I xeriscape with native plants that need very little watering. Then my large containers have flowers that. I can water quickly.
Such a different world living in a desert environment… truly fascinating. (NJ)
For me…drip irrigation is the biggest time saver! Thanks for another excellent video, Linda!💗
I’m considering drip irrigation, but am intimidated- did you install yourself to have it done?
To help keep my garden low maintenance, I plant thickly (suppresses weeds), plant native plants as much as I can, and I try to follow the adage "right plant, right place." It makes such a difference to not have to fight your yard to keep a plant alive. Also, I embrace a little wildness - it helps pollinators, helps wildlife and it makes for a bit less work. I could never do the topiary thing like you do, as much as I think it looks sooo wonderful in your garden. :)
I spread around my bee 🐝 balm plants in the back of the garden because they out pace the weeds.
I keep mine very compact, bring in color in shrubbery and add potted annuals in a few containers only for seasonal color. I have a huge lawn, but have a husband with a riding mower.
Happy 4th of July Linda , One reason i use pea gravel instead of wood mulch is no fading , easy to maintain and i love the look beside the garden . It also helps by reflecting heat back to the flowers and shrubs from the sun. I just Love your videos and hope to see more !
Excellent points Jim🍃
I am fortunate to have an excellent mowing service. This allows me time to spend on my shrubs and evergreens. Only a few perennials and fewer annuals.
I installed irrigation to all of my containers. It has saved me 2 hours each day.
I want to do this - was it difficult?
Zone 10a. I spend about 30 minutes in the early morning before it gets too hot doing the small chores like small weeds, deadheading etc. My husband and I are at the age where we hire a company to do the heavy work like mulching, heavy trimming etc. We love a tidy, well manicured garden but we recognize our limitations.
I’ve watched myself evolve as a gardener. At first I was all about color in annuals too. Then I progressed to perennials and bulbs, and now I’m doing as you and putting in lots of blooming shrubbery !
I love a mature garden and the wisdom that blooms from it. My time-saving garden tip is to invest in an automatic irrigation system if you have more than one plant bed! 🌺
I live on 3 acres in Canada. Although our gardening season only runs from late April thro late September , when it’s gardening season it could be overwhelming. So I have my acres divided into 5 zones and spend 2 hours each morning in one specific zone...weeding, deadheading, pruning...
Secondly, I had an irrigation system installed so I don’t need to spend hours watering. Finally, to enjoy my labours, I make it my practice to stroll around the garden most evenings to enjoy the Beauty that surrounds me. Happy gardening! 🌸
Well played🥰☺️
Love your garden video tips and the fashion section! I always carry a small plastic bucket when I walk around my garden for the weeds! I love watering all my containers...makes me feel happy early in the morning!
Again I am encouraged to consider how to "prune" my own garden and landscape plan as I begin my newly purchased home. With more space than yours, I need to balance intense plantings and maintenance of such. Along with that, I have a small lake abutting my back yard on my gently sloping yard, (excellent sunrise views), and a larger lake across the street in front on my gently mounding from yard( excellent for sunset viewing). High and low landscaping, and floral vs shrub/ tree balance will challenge my love for intense color and peaceful greenery. Texture and variety are important, as well as hardscaping pieces. This challenge is thrilling yet daunting for me! Hooray for your inspiration and information...MANY, MANY THANKS!!!
The best type of maintenance for me starts when I first choose a perennial plant. I need to know how big it is going to be and where I am going to put it. That way, I have somewhat of an expectation of what I am getting into to. Once we get to know our garden, it helps with the short and long term maintenance.
Much of my garden is 3-5 years old, and in the areas where I used dense planting and ground cover plants, the weeds are definitely less problem. I’ve been layering ground covers too. Thank goodness many of the baby shrubs and plants have finally put on some size.
Plant mostly shrubs, some perennials and ground covers wherever there is open space. This really helps keep down the weeds.
I dig up as much lawn as I can every year. That is by far the most high maintenance part of the garden and I don't do anything with it but mow. And mow. And mow. And mow. I would much rather spend my time making paths and caring for my vegetable garden.
I have a different perspective on this. Over the years, I've added and expanded flower beds, reducing my lawns area. As I'm getting older now, I kind of regret doing that. The beds require far more maintenance--mulching ever year, constant weeding, deadheading, pruning, clearing out dead leaves, etc. Also, in the winter when the perennials are nothing but dead twigs, every leaf in the neighborhood blows into my yard and gets caught in the beds, about a foot high, which takes me weeks in the early Spring to clear out by hand and with a rake (which ALWAYS gets caught on plants and ground cover) since they won't blow out. By contrast, I can just blow them off the lawn area easily. Also, weeding the lawn is a matter of simply walking and spraying, rather than stooping and hand crawling to pull endless bed weeds. Mowing is also just walking once a week, and I now have a company that even does that for me. As for overseeding, again, it's just a matter of walking once a year or 2 in the Fall. Easy peasy. In-ground sprinklers for the lawn, and drip for the flower beds takes care of watering. I keep wanting to add beds, but now I think twice about how much more work that is than just having grass that can just be mowed rather than the daily chores of flower beds. I like the idea of having more flowering shrubs, so maybe I'll slowly convert to that.
My goal for my yard is to have more flowers/flower beds than grass.. I want some grass but I want it to be nice grass.. hard to do in a shady yard.. I'm getting there..
@@Mustangmom2k I use a ton of preen so I don't have too many weeds in my beds. Maybe consider switching to gravel instead of mulch
@@Mustangmom2k I totally agree. Get the little lawn mower out once a week, then the garden looks neat and smells fresh. Flower beds are great but unless you have ground covers, tight planting and evergreens it's high maintenance. I also have 2 huge oak trees from my neighbor which the leaves land in my yard and of course in my flower beds! I apprehend November...
@@kimberly8185 I do, too! Love that stuff, but it only works for a few weeks around here. Every time it rains, I swear there are a thousand new little weeds that pop up literally overnight. I guess I should use the Preen more, but it's expensive and I forget to keep at it once the initial Spring clean up is done. Preen is a life-saver on my large paver patio! I still get some weeds, but nearly as many. Also, I had gravel in a xeriscape yard when I lived in CO, but for me, it was a weed magnet, too. Ha!--maybe it's me. I attract every mosquito bite and every weed regardless where I live. I may try gravel again in small areas, but I have to say, I do like how mulch enriches the soil.
Linda, Although I live on the other side of the Ocean (Belgium) I found a kindred spirit in you. I garden the way you garden, and I endorse your way of gardening and feel supported. My garden is somewhat smaller than yours, but I recognise so much. I always enjoy your videos, tips and recommendations. Looking forward to the next.
Ingrid, what a lovely thing to say🍃
I just home from Lowe’s in Houston where I saw your display for the augers. I had to buy one. My husband couldn’t wait to try it out and dug a few holes as soon as we got home. Works great!
Hurrah!
I have many shrubs/grasses/perennials in my gardens too. Also on my daily “walk about” I always bring a basket or bucket, pruners or scissors, and always look for any weeds that need pulled.
I don’t think I’ve ever finished a cup of coffee in the garden because the weeds scream at me. As I get older, Linda, it’s the low gardening that is the hardest. My knees won’t cooperate.
lol at “screaming weeds!”
@@zaria5785 Screaming weeds and screaming knees!
Try the scooter … I have troubled knees and this is my solution!
Preach! I had to switch to strictly container gardening, with the containers up on stands. I sure do miss planting something in the actual ground and watching it take off.
I plant all kinds of ground covers in every bed to keep down the weeds. I also like evergreens in containers because you don’t have to keep redoing them every year, it’s cost effective too. Great tips! Thanks! I’m all about low maintenance! 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌸🌸🌸🌸😃
Happy 4th of July to all. I have raised beds which are planted with roses, lavender, thyme, rosemary and dahlias.They are easier to maintain.🌹💐
newly installed garden bed along the side of my home that I repeat with flowers and shrubs that are in the front yard such as sedum cone flowers, spirea, dianthus and daisies. High performers, low maintenance, and can tolerate dryer summers so I don't have to water every day. Front porch is where I do containers with annuals every year for pops of vibrant color throughout the season.
Happy 4th July hope it’s not long before you visit England.
Low maintenance for me means more pots ….. not on stands but on wheels
Hi Linda, I purchased one of your planters on QVC and in your honor, planted pink geraniums in it. Then, i ordered the fedora on line. I hope I can wear it as well as you!!! I guess you could say I'm channeling you, lol. Thank you for all of the classy inspiration! Hope your holiday weekend is great!!!
Linda, as a mature gardener and a long time follower of your videos. I have to say this is one of the most informative videos you have ever presented. I especially liked tip four. Perhaps you could do a follow up video of plant selection. I’ve planted Vinca Minor haphazardly and it’s reducing my weeding time. Unfortunately, with my back issues. I am now aging my gardening in place.
Of course!
Some of the most beautiful residential gardens I’ve seen in my neighborhood do not have any flowering annuals. The beauty comes from flowering trees and shrubs with different forms, shapes and foliage shades that work well together. Personally I also use a lot of rocks, stones and the occasional pagoda statue amongst my plantings because I feel that these hardscapes can create a scene or tell a story.
Excellent and informative video. Thank you for the great ideas. I just started my garden one year ago and needed to hear this advice. 🇨🇦
I love the tip on layering shrubs. Your garden has the most beautiful shapes and layers. I take screenshots for inspiration.
I have two properties so i gets really challenging and i've had to really think about lower maintenance. I try to choose things that don't take tons of care, especially pruning. I use a lot of Azaleas, some Rhododendrons and quite a few hydrangeas. I love Hellebore, Sedum plants and clematis too. I use native plants. I also mulch, i'm organic except for preen here and there which i'm needing less and will eventually eliminate.
Great tips! #2 containers, really hit home, love them but so much time!
I agree with you Linda …here’s what I do.
1) Edit, Edit, Edit …
a few big lush full planters & reduce the visual messy clutter of to many tiny pots.
2) Mulch ,Mulch, Mulch…
It looks & smells great, is Cheap to buy, Suppresses weeds , keeps moisture locked in, and frost protector.
Also mulch gives a finished look. I top dress the larger planters with mulch too.
Mulch gives a big bang for the buck
3) Evergreens for yearly interest, especially blooming scrubs , nothing that needs a lot of clipping.
Like hydrangeas rhododendrons, arborvitae
4) Patios , pea gravel, stone instead of large real wooden decks .
5) Use rocks from the garden for boarders and hard scape in an empty spot.
6) Low maintenance outdoor furniture , something that an easy yearly spray paint can renew at the start of the season.
7) Well chosen plants placed according to their light requirements.
Great advice ! Your third tip was exactly what I have done. I inherited a big grey gravel front garden, and didn't want to re-instate a lawn. So I've planted mostly evergreen shrubs with colourful foliage in the last 2 years and everything is taking well. Pride of place is a Photinia ( red robin ) - the sunlight through the cherry red new leaves is magnificent. Have also got yellow Berberis and a Spirea goldflame, Arborvitae Fire Chief for orange, and California Lilac for blue. I couldn't be bothered with all the work of flowers !
I agree with what you're saying. A healthy lawn is a thing of beauty, but making that happen takes a lot of time. Wish you could send some of your rain our way to CA.
Great tips, some of which I have already incorporated in my garden. My other thing(s) I do to save time are - 1). The plant/shrub needs to be hearty - I will baby it the first few months if it is something I really love, then it is on its’ own. 2). Anything I buy for the garden, in the way of decor, has to be winter proof! I live in Zone 6 and most plastic and ceramic items will not survive our cold, however, I love wrought iron and always look for it at garage sales/flea markets/thrift stores. They look great in the winter landscape as well. Yesterday I picked up a three tiered wrought iron ‘shelf theatre’ - score!!
Excellent tips!
Despite having weekly garden service I still do lots of work myself cutting, pruning & fertilizing. I think the container plants are very easy care once they are set & done. After it’s just water care. I’ve added more evergreen structure for a easier garden.
I agree! Lawns are the most labor intensive! So less lawn for sure! I would say mulching and a good watering system as well.
We have very hot dry summers here (Northern California zone 9b) so my biggest time suck in the garden is watering. Putting everything on automated watering is my biggest time saver to have a low maintenance garden.
I need to add reducing lawn in Pacific NW does not reduce work, we just have perfect weather for weeds to take over. Or grasses move into flower beds only in flower beds is where grass is more work for me, removing it.
If someone could invent a product to apply to weeds that would make the deer crave them, they'd make a fortune!
Great tips, Linda. I think the secret is to do at least one thing in the garden, no matter how small, every single day to keep things from getting out of hand. Don't let days go by and then realize you are overwhelmed with work.
Yes!!!
I enjoy all your videos but this one spoke to my time in life. I’m in a major transition time in life and my garden/yard. I have been spending a lot of time contemplating my aging future, retirement years and the time and energy I will be able to give to my space. Thanks!
Large Containers are easy to maintain and very satisfying because plants thrive in them. Bang for the buck. Ground covers and perennial beds once established are no maintenance.
Im in Tennessee and use mulch in my gardens for weed control, plant lots of perennials and do a daily walk-about pulling weeds, deadheading, etc. I've also installed drip irrigation! What a help!!
I plant densely, I eliminated grass, I make small “ vignettes ” as focal points.
Perennials, don't water your lawn, and mulch mulch mulch. Don't waste weeding effort by not laying down mulch immediately afterwards.
When weeding I hide the weeds under a nearby plant. The nitrogen from the weeds have immensely improved my soil, along with the wood mulch I use.
I alway worried that this might cause future weeds from the weeds I leave. Is that not correct?
@@beccaacceb3546 I haven’t noticed that problem but I suppose if they had seeds they could.
To get an idea of what Linda's stunning back garden looks like without containers, I thought of how it looks in the winter videos, because so many are put away for the season.... (still stunning!)
I've tried to use plants that can fully mature in the space allotted. In addition many times I chose a smaller variety of a particular species.
Loved watching your video today… two things:
1). Thanks for your tip in another video, my pests are Japanese beetles. I had no idea how destructive they can be!
2) We are building our forever home and watching your videos inspired me to plan to use faux grass with the pavers and gravel since our backyard is so small but mine will be mostly container plants grouped in areas … hoping this will give me the joy of keeping them trimmed and beautiful … time will tell, it is on the north side which means a lot of shade!
We get Japanese beetles every year they love to attack my Rose of Sharon bush😱
Your plans sound good!!!!
I'm with you on the lawn. Our yard is 200'x75' and when we moved in it was only grass. I've worked to reduce it for years. My husband does the mowing and edging; it's the edging that's a royal pain. I would also add to your list: plant as many natives as you can. They're already acclimated to your climate so will require less coddling. Thanks for such interesting videos.
I will eventually have my garden 🪴 covered in weed cloth and raised beds, grow bags, and pots! 💜💜💜💜
Great garden tips today. Thank you. In our Colorado dry high altitude gardening we also plant low water plants (as close to native as possible), and we use drip irrigation and mulch to cut down on watering.
Linda, I appreciate this video so much.Like you, I love my container plants, but dragging hoses around my half acre was starting to grow old. One thing I decided to do was to put them mainly in two of my garden areas. I did leave some agaves and succulents in the other gardens because they don't require as much watering. Just this simple change has made me look forward to early morning watering. Thanks for all you do to share your wisdom.
Smart you-
Love your tips…and I’m following all of them except for the turf…Also love topiary’s and enjoy trimming them to the shape I like.. Doing a lot more container gardening as it helps me place plants in the required light. I certainly need to plant more flowering shrubs. Will let you know how l’m progressing with your suggestions..
I couldn’t agree more with planting flowering shrubs, which is what I do. I then plant annuals or perennials in the pockets between the shrubs. I’m in zone 10.
That's also what I'm doing in zone 5.
Love this video...I lined up one wall of my house with about 8 avender plants with black slate around them and another side of the wall with 6 boxwoods that im shaping into balls, with cedar mulch, which reduced the amount of just really weeds growing there, it looks neat really, now i am thinking of doing what you did, putting some slabs of stepping stones with pea gravel in between, to reduce further the amt of grass with ugly weeds spreading on them...so excited to do this next project...thanks so much for your videos, I really enjoy and binge on them!
Great idea!
Low maintenance for me is leaving my hoses out where I need them versus dragging them out and rewrapping them daily. Of course, if you have an underground watering system that would be even more low maintenance. Also, low-maintenance is having plenty of perennials and using cardboard for commercial strength weave cloth to avoid consistant weeding