With all of the tasks that go into keeping a home, yard care can seem overwhelming. Building a low-maintenance yard frees you up to spend more time enjoying the space instead of working in it.
Considerations for Choosing Flowers and Grass
The types of flowers and grass you choose will decide whether you have a yard that requires a lot of upkeep or a low-maintenance one that allows you to enjoy it more.
Before you begin planting flowers or laying down new grass, there are a few things to consider that will help you decide if these new additions to your yard will be the right fit
- Region
- Climate
- Level of maintenance
- Watering needs
- Pest resistance
- Fertilizer requirements
Whether you prefer a low-maintenance landscape or enjoy spending time tending to your flower garden and grass, you'll be sure to appreciate this guide to everything you need to know for an easy upkeep yard.
Types of Flowers and Grass by Region and Climate
Both the region and climate will help you decide which types of flowers, grasses, and other plants will thrive in the climate in which you reside. For example, if you live in a hot, dry climate, you may choose heat-resistant and drought-tolerant plants. Whereas if you live in a region that experiences cooler climates but periods of heat, like the Midwest, your plant and grass options will differ.
Researching your plant hardiness zones can help you determine which types of plants will do well in your region. These zones are determined by the USDA and are based on the average minimum winter temperatures with some variance.
In addition to the region and climate, the placement of plants and grass in your yard is also a factor to consider. If you live in the Midwest, you may consider low-maintenance perennials such as peonies and daylilies, but if you’re in a warmer and drier region like the Southwest, you may opt for primrose, geraniums, or other flowers that do well in full sun instead. You can learn about cool season and warm season grass to understand which grass species will do best with whichever type of region you live in.
For full sun lawns, shaded yards, and everything in between, we've got you covered with grass care tips to help you care for your lawn in sunshine and shade.
Low-Maintenance and Grass
While region and climate are significant factors to consider before your new plants take root in the ground, you should also consider the level of maintenance required for these types of flowers and grasses. Though there is not a category of high maintenance grasses, there is a category for types of grasses that are lower maintenance than average.
More traditional grasses, like Kentucky bluegrass, may require a bit more elbow grease to maintain a lush, thick texture and perfect coloring. Grasses such as bermudagrass, zoysiagrass, and fescues are considered low-maintenance in terms of their drought resistance. You do not need to be as rigid with your watering schedule with these grasses, though you should still try to stick to consistent watering. We can help you achieve a thick, luscious lawn regardless of your grass type.
Types of Flowers for A Low-Maintenance Garden
You don’t have to be a master gardener or even have a green thumb to see your flower garden bloom. You can plant several different types of flowers that are durable and resistant, making them easier to care for than other varieties that require more care.
When it comes to planting flowers, establishing seeds and new plants is the hardest step. We recommend choosing a perennial, so you don’t have to fret about planting new blossoms each year. Flowers that can withstand high heat and go through periods of drought will require less maintenance than other flower varieties
Low-Maintenance Types of Flowers
- Marigolds
- Daffodils
- Sunflowers
- Daylilies
- Geraniums
Learn more about which plants are beginner-friendly for your flower gardens.
Building a Pest-Resistant Flower Garden and Yard
When it comes to grassy lawns and flower gardens, finding pest-resistant plants will allow you to spend less time tending in your yard. If your area is especially prone to a specific kind of pest, opting for a pest-tolerant type of flower or grass will keep this issue at bay from the get-go.
Ornamental grasses have insect-repelling properties and are an excellent addition to keep pests in your yard at bay. There are plenty of different pest-resistant types of flowers that you can plant in your yard like Marigold, which has a scent that naturally repels pesky mosquitoes.
When you take care of your lawn and flower garden, the last thing you want is for your plants to become riddled with diseases from pests or insects.
How Much Water Do My Plants Need?
Watering is one of the most critical requirements, along with sunlight, for plants to thrive. Grass and flowers need an adequate amount of water to undergo photosynthesis and produce food for themselves. Mother nature doesn't usually provide a consistent watering schedule for all plants, so it's essential to keep track of how much hydration your plants are receiving so you can help supplement with manual watering.
Finding out how much water your plants and lawn need isn't tricky, but it does require a bit of research. Depending on the types of flowers and soil you have in your flower bed, you may only need to provide one inch of water every week. Most lawns require one to two inches of water weekly. Sprinkler systems can help make the process of watering your plants more accessible.
When flower gardens and grass do not have enough hydration, they become dried out, growth slows down, and these plants will ultimately turn brown and die. It's critical to ensure your plants receive not just consistent watering but also the right amount of water, especially in the hot summer months.
